Anya King-Emanuele
WoB Short Story Contest 11/13/25
To Heal Is To Remember I wake up in a sort of bliss. The sun is shining, and all feels right in the world. But that’s not quite right. My head hurts and I feel like I’m missing something. Like I should be feeling a certain way and acting differently. And maybe I am; I’m not sure yet. Suddenly, I’m aware of my surroundings. I look around and try to remember where I am. I’m in my room, I think. But I’m not sure, it’s just not right. Before the room felt happy, I’m not sure how I know this. I don’t remember this room, but it seems to remember me. The wall opposite the bed calls me, beckoning me. I stand up and start to walk over. I know there will be photos before I even see them. In one, there is a girl laughing, clinging to her friend. She’s doubled over in glee, her eyes glimmer with tears of joy. She’s radiant, like the sun or peace herself. She seems so happy. So normal. But that was before. I try to smile like her, I pull at my face, but it doesn’t work. I don’t think it will ever work like that again. I turn away from the photos; they make my head hurt. My heart feels a sharp pain when I turn away. They want me to remember. But I can’t, not yet. I walk to the wardrobe, my wardrobe, and start to get ready. I ignore the suitcase. The one that never got the chance to get unpacked. I look through the drawers of the dressers, I search for something. I’m not sure what, but I know it's here. But how do I know it's here? This is not my dresser, this is not my room. Or is it? It doesn’t feel right; something is missing. Frustrated, I slide to the floor and start to cry. After a while, I wipe my tear-streaked face and look up. I face a mirror. It’s covered by a blanket, but I can see a hint of a reflection slipping through. I hesitate, stand up, and then decide to go to it. I start to uncover it, but a pain