Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance

by Alison Espach

And yet, I used to sit up at night, saying your name, waiting for you to appear before me, waiting for you to turn into Kathy again. Waiting for you to say something. Just one little thing. A simple “hello” would have sufficed. But it was only silence that followed. And this silence made me feel so stupid. Your silence, it has always been the most perfect punishment.

And yet, I used to sit up at night, saying your name, waiting for you to appear before me, waiting for you to turn into Kathy again. Waiting for you to say something. Just one little thing. A simple “hello” would have sufficed. But it was only silence that followed. And this silence made me feel so stupid. Your silence, it has always been the most perfect punishment.