The Red Address Book

by Sofia Lundberg

“I wish you enough,” she whispered in my ear. “Enough sun to light up your days, enough rain that you appreciate the sun. Enough joy to strengthen your soul, enough pain that you can appreciate life’s small moments of happiness. And enough friends that you can manage a farewell now and then.”

My place was among the books; it was where I felt safe.

Something happens to people who experience intense longing. Their eyes slowly dim, and they lose the ability to see the beauty in their surroundings, in their everyday life.