Breaking up with Plato

Plato was what brought us together and apart. For he was the one to shape friendship. Were he to stay quiet, he would have saved me from the pain of knowing you. Maybe Plato is innocent, and I’m just trying to lash out at the first person that comes to mind. Before you, I thought of myself as solitary in my existence. I didn’t allow anyone in, for fear they’ll know me for what I am. However, Life had a vicious way of teaching me that I was not alone, and that was by bringing you to me. Regardless, I’m still grateful for that because for the first time Plato’s words resonated with me. At that time, I took my first breath as someone who was finally not alone. I was euphoric for having someone who knew me as I knew myself, who I didn’t scare off by the ugliness of my soul and who taught me how to embrace my flaws and reflect on them. And for that, I’m sincerely grateful because, for once, I didn't feel ashamed of being vulnerable. Our friendship blossomed like tree flowers in the spring,but of course, they had to wither in front of winter's anger.

Winter came with its strong storms, whisked you away, and carried you far away from me, leaving only memories behind. And God were those memories cunning. Sometimes they would resurge in my weakest moments and make me remember the warmth and genuine love I had for you, urging me to reach out to you again. Other times, they painted you as your wickedest self and made me draw back, urging me to loathe you. I loath you for knowing me and leaving nonetheless. And thus, memories were the wickest torture my body has ever experienced. I replayed our moments so many times in hope of finding excuses for why you left.

Summer came ,and you came back ,but you weren’t the same. My brain had already established what kind of person you are now. I couldn’t look you in the eyes without thinking about how you broke me. Even Kintsugi can't fix my heart after it was dismantled to pieces. It can never be whole again. Thus, the last meeting and eternal goodbye of summer’s warmth.

Hiba ABBASSI

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