Aurora 2024

Aliyah Orten

– My grandfather’s funeral is the following week. Due to Covid restrictions, there are limitations on the number of visitors at one time. I visit the restroom during a time of tradeoff. I look in the mirror, seeing my black attire, my great-grandmother’s catholic cross sits around my neck. Looking at myself, I think about how this experience will change me and how in ways I can already see it. I am eighteen at this point. I look at myself thinking how hard it is to see yourself age but, in this moment, I believe I can see it. I am forever brought back to those moments when I put my retainer in my mouth. Today, I feel how the top one doesn’t sit right. Whenever I force it to grasp my teeth and go to sleep. I wake with my unconscious self, ripping them out of their placement. Transforming myself back to three years ago when fear consumed me and rearranged my protectory.

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