Trans Emotional Catharsis Through A Lost Parent — An Urban NYC Story

An Urban Transgender Literary Fiction Story | Part 5 of 5

Alma remains haunted by her mother’s death and receives some surprising news from Esmeralda.

There were times after that week that Alma would find herself crouched on the fire escape of her apartment, overlooking the street, and smoking a Newport down to the filter. She wondered about her mother’s illness and why she had chosen not to go back to the hospital. Sometimes, she blamed her for not fighting harder. Other times, she blamed Esme for not pushing her before things had gotten so bad. But, often, she blamed herself for not being able to encourage her to see the beauty in living.

Rafael came to the window once and asked her why she wanted to be left alone.

“I don’t really know.” She hugged her knees close to her chest and looked out over the city. “I think that maybe I’m supposed to be alone. Who watches their mother waste away and die like that? I couldn’t do anything to save her.”

Rafael took a cigarette from the pack resting on the window sill.

“Don’t do that, Alma. Don’t do it.”