i have one last favor to ask

place a kiss upon her head

tell her i love her

give her a hug

read her a story

or two

or three

explain to her why i've gone away

tuck her into bed

whisper "sleep sweet" like you always do

close the door and leave her to wonder

why her aunty who loved her so much

no longer makes her mac and cheese

or tries to steal her chocolate milk

or plays in the yard with her

or reads three books before she goes to sleep

but of course she won't remember me

she won't remember the real me

just the me that you have

created in place of the me i am,




love,

your youngest sister.