Saying Goodbye

• Talia Garrett-benson, Grade 8
• Short Story
• 2010

Saying Goodbye

There are different types of saying goodbye. “Goodbye, see you tomorrow!” is a happy goodbye, with the expectation you will see the other person again. I have said that a thousand times, and probably will say it another thousand times!

There is: “Goodbye!” tearfully, when someone is going for a long trip. Hugs and kisses all around.

But the last type is the one I have to say now. “Goodbye”. There really is nothing else to say, nothing else you can do when your mum is dying. Just goodbye; no words can express what you say, when the person has helped, nurtured you your whole life. Those words seem so devoid of emotion, nothing can convey that emotion. Thankfulness, sorrow, and countless other emotions you want to squeeze into one little word. Nothing can achieve it; nothing can thank her enough for what she has done. Just goodbye, and move on, which seems heartless! Nothing is enough, and nothing is too much. Just goodbye.