A new beginning

Misty winter morning in dusty windows. Bare walls - ghosts of memories. In a stupor, I stagger room to room, already a stranger. Neighbors descend, like jackals, slavering over remnants of my past - feigned empathy in their eyes, greed on their minds. They leave, chattering excitedly. My life, neatly packed in two bags, 32 kilos each, tied with a rope for safety, waits for me by the door. Uneventful ride to the airport. Forced laughter, empty promises. Hurried goodbyes. I walk through the gate, not looking back, and only later, all buckled up and peeking through a window-telescope at the city and country that used to be mine, do I begin to convulse in uncontrollable sobs.