In The Mood For Death

29/10/23

The first time I contemplate death, I am 12 years old. 

I have spent all year studying for a very important set of exams. My parents have told me repeatedly, that doing well in these exams will change my life for the better, give me a ticket out. That it will ultimately present me with opportunities to rise above my circumstances. 

I study like never before. A part of me enjoys the monotony of my days. Even at that age, I begin to understand that I like to know things, that I thrive in structure and regiment, that I like to set goals and then bulldoze my way towards them. 

My days, fairly simple, follow a strict pattern. 

This piece was first published on RIC Journal. Click here to read the full story.

Cover image sourced from here.