Red Strings

by: Bienvinido Ranario III

“Red strings have magic” my mom used to tell whenever I needed to remember something like my line during plays, my lessons, and even personal belongings. Growing up I relied on it and it really took a big part of mydaily routine. Years have passed and my mom got sick, I visited her at the hospital and she was sitting calmly on the bed staring at the sunset casted from her window. I became so busy minding my own business that I forgot my mom is growing old. But she understood, instead she handed me a red string and tied it around my finger. Few moments and the doctor came in, saying that mymother has Alzheimer’s disease. I threw my hands and gave her the best hug she deserves, tying me a red string so that she would never forget me is the sweetest thing only a mother can give. I cried, and I know I was loved.

*** A slim and tall woman entered my room as I sat across the window watching the sunset holding a book. I forgot why. The woman sat beside me and smiled. She was so familiar that her pressence never bothered me which made me submissive to whatever she does. She took the book from my hand and tied a red string around her fingers. A prickle of tear fell down my eye as a vivid memory strike my head. I gave her a hug and burst into tears. After a year of having this Alzheimer’s disease same as my mother, I remembered her, my daughter. “Red strings truly has magic.”

Ink on Paper by: Joshua Rivera