Those who are close to us, when they die, divide our world. There is the world of the living, which we finally, in one way or another, succumb to, and then there is the domain of the dead that, like an imaginary friend {or foe} or a secret concubine, constantly beckons, reminding us of our loss. What is memory but a ghost that lurks at the corners of the mind, interrupting our normal course of life, disrupting our sleep in order to remind us of some acute pain or pleasure, something silenced or ignored? We miss not only their presence, or how they felt about us, but ultimately how they allowed us to feel about ourselves or them. {prologue}
The quote reflects on the deep sense of loss experienced when someone close to us passes away. It suggests that their death creates a divide between the realm of the living and the realm of the dead. This separation leaves us grappling with memories that can feel haunting, akin to a ghost that disrupts our daily lives and thoughts, reminding us of both joy and sorrow. Our memories of loved ones don't just evoke a sense of longing for their presence, but also affect our self-perception and emotional state.
Moreover, the quote highlights how our memories serve as constant reminders of the emotional connections we had with those who are gone. These memories intrude upon our peace, whether they evoke happiness or pain, illustrating the profound impact that the deceased have on our lives. Ultimately, their absence not only creates a void but also shapes the way we see ourselves, emphasizing the complex interplay between loss and memory in our existence.