This Is Where It Ends

by Marieke Nijkamp

The only things that give us purpose are the stories that tie us together.

Fear and survival are two sides of the same coin.

Terror is our strongest force because we’re only afraid when we have something to lose—our lives, our loves…our dignity.

“Grief is one big, gaping hole, isn’t it?” I say quietly. I don’t even know if he hears me, but my words are as much for myself as for him. “It’s everywhere and all consuming. Some days you think you can’t go on because the only thing waiting for you is more despair. Some days you don’t want to go on because it’s easier to give up than to get hurt again.”

Time is no longer his. He’s merely holding on because he’s too afraid to let go. What will he dream of?

Death brings life; life brings death.

You can’t always keep your loved ones with you. You can’t always settle your life in one place. The world was made to change. But as long as you cherish the memories and make new ones along on the way, no matter where you are, you’ll always be at home.”

Dad always told me there are more stories in the universe than stars in the sky. And in every story, there’s the light of hope.