She stood by the river bank, a slim figure slouched, and gazing with tear stained face at the ripples formed by the pebbles she was throwing in. The sky was gloomy casting a dark shadow over the river showing the promise of downpour. Inside, Kachi felt exactly as the weather, miserable.
Her entire family had drowned in this river. As tradition demanded, their bodies were thrown into the river and they were denied a final resting place because their deaths were considered a taboo. For this reason she visits Azi River once every year just to grieve.
This is the fifth year of her family’s death anniversary and this year she came with a goodbye message.
Below Azi River lays John Amah (Beloved husband and Father), Grace Amah (Beloved Mother and wife) and Ken and Dave (Precious sons). I love you and i will miss you always.... beloved daughter and sister Kachi
She folded up her note, placed it in a clear green bottle and threw it into the river. The act was her way of engraving words on their headstone.
RE: STACH Short Story Contest #22: 199 words, 5 winners, 15SBD prize pool!