Today’s prompt: If your grief is a character who can come forward and speak, what kind of voice does she have? Don’t tell us about it, let him or her actually speak. Write in grief’s voice.
I see you. I see you staring into space. I know you can’t concentrate today. That’s probably my fault. I . . . could you . . . just let me help you. It’s okay. Yes, this is horrid. No, you can’t make it stop. So . . . let me help you.
Staring into space? That’s me. You don’t always realize it, Tonya, but your mind needs a break. You just need some time. Can you trust me on this? No? It’d be easier for both of us if you could trust me. Those whimpers of agony that slip out unbidden? Also me. A tiny release. Those moments of sobbing in the shower, the car, the empty classroom? You have to, Tonya. Trust me on this. I am Grief. I know these things. Let me help you.
Do you want to talk about Cooper today? If you want to, you should. I’m giving you permission. Sometimes, talking is survival and survival isn’t selfish. You have safe people who will listen. Do you want to keep Coop to yourself today? That’s fine. You’re allowed. He was your son. Let me help you. Shall we build some walls? They don’t have to stay up forever. I’ll help. I’ll even take the blame for the walls. After all, if I’d stay away, the walls would come down.
But I can’t stay away. I won’t. You need me.
You loved him.
You lost him.
Now here I am.
Remember summer? Remember when he was missing? Remember when he was hospitalized? That’s when I really started hanging around. You mistook me for Fear. When he came home, you knew it wasn’t really him. Not all of him, anyway. Since part of Coop was lost, you had a sliver of room for me. I just hung out in your heart for a couple months, but you knew. Didn’t you, Tonya? Didn’t you? I had to stay.
Cooper couldn’t.
And now I can’t leave you. You don’t really want me to, do you? I’m your love.
Woods Writes 
I was very possessive of my grief. I felt it was my one connection to Adam. Later my heart opened to more joyous connections, more sweetness, more fluidity. Through many stages and outlets, our relationship grew and continues to grow. I know it sounds weird.
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Nope. Doesn’t sound weird at all. Lately, I’ve wondered if I’ve made any forward progress, or if that’s even a thing. Rereading old posts tells me yes, in some areas. Not all.
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