The Society of Unknowable Objects

by Gareth Brown

“But sometimes living in a challenging place is good for you.” “That sounds like one of those things that makes sense unless you actually stop to think about it,”

I love eating. It’s one of my favourite things.”

My mother believed chicken noodle soup would cure all ailments.” “Funny,” Magda reflected. “I think the same thing about cake.”

If you are reading this letter, it means I am dead. Sorry about that, but I know you’re tough and you will survive. Please don’t grieve too hard for me—I have had a fabulous life with many blessings. I mean . . . of course you must grieve. But don’t make a scene, dear. Some discreet tears are plenty. Feel free to laugh and make jokes at the funeral. People can be so miserable at those things. That’s the last thing I want, especially from you.

You know that’s just grief and sadness getting together and making up stories.”