I wanted to name our daughter Brishti, meaning “Rain.” You disagreed.
“Her name will be Roddur!” you said.
And, just as the name meaning “Sunlight” rolled off your lips, I saw our daughter’s luminous form, like a poet swept away by the torrents of the Alakananda River in the Himalayas.
With dreams of Roddur in our hearts, we spent a few hours waiting, some in peace, some in weariness, always nestled in love.
Without hesitation, we gathered all the colors money could buy and adorned a small world of our own, amidst the simple joys and struggles of life.
Though we’d already chosen a name, we had no idea whether she would be a girl or a boy. We wanted to revel in the innocent joy of anticipation. Whether boy or girl, the child who arrived would be our most treasured gift, embraced with deepest love.
So we waited for the fulfillment of our shared dream.
Then she arrived. And, silently, we changed her name to Eti.
“The End.”
For our little girl never opened her eyes to see us.
More Reflections
She’s not gone. But you’re alone
‘Your one wild and precious life’
Wow….absolutely beautiful short story i have ever read. Amazed by the inner deep thought of the writer. Such a powerful massage at the end. Absolutely brilliant
Molly, I agree.
Oh, Jeff, did you do this for me? Or am I just being self-centered about something that the universe sent me because I needed it? Either way, thank you. Sending love to you and Liz.
Donna, it’s completely coincidental. And I didn’t write it. Nahar Trina wrote it. It’s her first contribution to 30-Second Read.
Ouch! That was a 30-second heartbreak. Also, heart-achingly beautiful.
Dear writer, your short story has touched my soul. You have undoubtedly written well, otherwise why would tears come to the eyes of this mother who lost her child! May your pen be victorious.
Heartbreaking.