i think out of all the sounds in the world, i’d want to hear my grandfather’s voice again. he had a stroke several years ago and it left him with slight damage to his brain and a resultant subdued voice.

i want to talk to him again like i did when i was ten, listening to his gentle voice telling me to finish my rice and get fatter. i wish i could hear the sweet melody of his tone like i used to and remember every nuance. he was so sweet, so caring.

i can’t remember what his voice sounded like. all i know now are the muffled murmurs from the back of his throat and the slow but steady padding of his feet when he walks. i can’t remember what i want to hear most and it kills me. i want to remember or else it all fades… he fades.