‘The Sunset Paintings’ by Tahreen Abbas
Knowing you’re going to lose someone isn’t easy, but it isn’t as difficult as one would think.
It’s the silliest memories that take the toll. Teaching me how to paint a sunset for my Christmas card competition. That dress you made for my fancy dress competition. And the scolding from you, for not paying attention and getting hurt while playing.
[Image captions:
– Childhood painting of a sunset.
– Sunset sky photograph taken in XXX location]
That painting is still with me. Its style is quite simple because you knew that a simple technique was possible (I told you just a day before the competition). How you sat with me, till midnight, patient, teaching.
That patience, care and love made you admired by more than me.
You taught me other things, like not to back out without trying. Once I had another competition of fancy dress and you made a dress for me in a single night. I didn’t help that time, but you helped me because I watched your skill in its making.
For the world you were not my mother, but you were no less than a mother to me. Coming away from my own mother at the age of 3, you became my refuge, took me in as your child. You did whatever was best. It seemed that you didn’t think twice.
Coming to terms with you not being here to prep me for another competition or to run after me for not taking my medicines, is something I am still unable to do. What would I not give to eat one last meal from your hands, to be scolded for procrastination, to hug you.
My life as I knew it came to a halt. It also went on like a clockwork sunrise and sunset.
I remember you with the sunsets.
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Note: The author wrote this exObject at her home where she lived with her aunt until her death.
(Copyright: Tahreem Abbas, 2022)
Twitter: @tahreem1612
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