In Passing

I called his number. I have been meaning to do this for a long time but due to more pressing things, i kept pushing it aside. An unfamiliar voice answered the phone. It was his dad. He gave me the sad news.

We talked.

***

Our last meeting was on September 9.

The Hurricane hit on September 13.

On September 19, he passed away.

10 days after he saw me.

I only learned about it in December.

***

His dad's final words to me, "It was beautiful. He died peacefully, in hospice care. Thank you, very much."

Despite the reassuring words, i know I failed to keep a promise.

***

picture above taken in my backyard in 2008, fence no longer stands. torn down by the hurricane.