Status Updates From Into the Forest and all the...

“…and in the trees we can
still hear the
Swaying of the ghosts of your clothes that hung from
branches”

“…let’s imagine that in another reality
That you are living a life, a full life, a blessed life,
But we know that blessing is a lie that swallowed
You up in that empty space of time”

“What do we know if all that we know is that there
Was one a girl, a girl unfound”

“Some friends open the doors to our exit”

“…but if the questions
Are all answered they cannot profit
From your murder”

“And when police
Officers finally approached the man suspected in your
Murder,… -he killed himself, because
That is what cowards do.”

“The memory of a wife who worked when all of us were
Sleeping, and who disintegrated into the glorious golden
Morning rays when all of our eyes opened.”

“…We can only surmise. We can only assume. We can only fill in the gaps
Of led astray, and led away.”

The “Dear Reader” letter at the beginning, before even starting the book, is already packing a punch. I’m prepared to be angry and sad during this read, but the only way out is through.