Can we please stay a little longer?

“Ma, are you finished packing?

It’s time to leave. Right now.”

“Is it already time?”

“Yes.”

“Could you give me a little more time?
I’m not finished packing yet.”

“Packing what?”

“The pieces.The things that are still scattered everywhere.
I haven’t finished gathering them.”

“No, Ma.”

“This is already the third time
you’ve asked me to wait a little longer.”

“I know. I just need—”

“You keep saying you need more time
to put everything back together.”

“I’m trying.”

“I know. But, Ma…”

“Life must go on. Remember?”

“I know.”

“Then why are you still here?”

“I don’t know.”

“Ma.”

“What?”

“You can’t keep waiting
until everything inside you is whole again
before you leave.”

“But what if I’m not ready?”

“You probably won’t be.”

“I still have things to pack.”

“Some things may have to stay behind.”

“I know.”

“Some pieces may never fit
the way they used to.”

“I know.”

“And maybe you’ll have to carry some of them with you.”

“I know.”

“Then…”

I looked around

one last time.

There were still pieces of me everywhere.

some I had already gathered,
some I didn't know how to touch,
and some I was still pretending
I could leave behind.