Pengingat Diri Novels & Stories

Why today? My voice dropped lower, barely above a whisper. “Why do I feel like I lost something... someone?” I rubbed at my chest like that would ease the pressure tightening there. “It was just a memory,” I told myself. “Just a stupid, old—no. No, it wasn’t.” My eyes flicked toward the dark window, the night staring back at me. Then I said it again, firmer this time. “No. It wasn’t just a memory. It was a warning.”

My few clothes didn't even fill half the racks, leaving wide, empty gaps. I reached for the hidden pocket at the bottom of my bag. My fingers brushed against the familiar texture, and I pulled it out. It was my sliver of wood. It was a simple, thin wooden rod. It wasn't decorated or special to look at. But as I held it, I felt my heart rate finally start to slow down. I called it my Reminder. I tucked it away on the top shelf, hidden behind a pile of sweaters. I needed it close. Because the Reminder was the only thing that kept my head clear. It was the only thing that kept me from forgetting who I really was and what men were capable of.