for keepsake

he paused while i cringed, shunning the past and the pain.
he gave that knowing look and continued:

to forgive yet not to forget. do remember of the things that hurt, the words that stung. And beyond forgetting the antagonist, do try harder to forgive yourself, for reacting to the violations or your hidden anger.

to talk to him is akin to breathing. the commas. the interruptions. the laughter. the exclamation marks. at the end of the session, he stood up, as always, an attempt to send me off. we walked a few steps, than i chuckled out the words:

no need to walk me out, it's my journey... from here on.

he looked taller than before when i turn back after a few steps,
just before he disappeared
into the shadows.