“I’ll bleed if ever tried to heal”, a line that struck my mind while I was crossing the road, as I was on the way to the nearby library, a rather dangerous thought to occur in such a situation, but that’s how thoughts are; they happen to come in the most uncanny way. After crossing the road,as I was walking on the pathway, I wondered about how horrifyingly unpredictable the real world is, to the extent that I was sixteen years old, a school-going student, when the world went into lockdown, and now I’m Eighteen, a college-going student. “Tragic”, is the only word that could describe the past two years: the whole world was swamped by a virus; people too scared to help one another; lack of oxygen cylinders led to thousands of death; the count of dead bodies increasing day by day to the extent that there was no place left for the cremation to be done; dead bodies were flowing in the rivers; economic collapse; doctors, nurses, and the whole armed forces working day and night to save the lives of people. Even in those frightful circumstances, the eyes of the people reflected hope. I was too immersed in my thoughts when I realized I was standing right in front of the library building. The past two years have left a scar on me, and I’m always reminded of its existence by the crippling anxiety paralyzing my lower body and choking my throat. I sighed and opened the door to enter the library. It feels like two different worlds connected by this one door. Reading was the only way to escape, though I lived through everything I read. I entered the library and went straight to the literary fiction alley, after looking through two-three shelves, I found the book I wanted to read, took it and went towards the reception. The receptionist asked for the library card to issue the book. I took the card out of my sling bag and gave it to her, she read the card and said in a monotone, “Your name is Izel Brown, right?” I replied “Yes”. It seemed like she found my name a bit strangely unique, though she didn’t say anything. I’m not someone to start a conversation, being inside my house for two years diminished my ability to converse with people,and also maybe because the intrusive thoughts took their place in my head. Though I preferred being alone, I was never really alone.She then asked, “You don’t have any dues left?” I answered “No”. She then issued me the book. I then went to the right corner of the room, where a table was placed near the window. I sat down and started reading. Soon It started raining, and the melancholic sound of the raindrops slowly filled the room. Rain always had a romantic significance; no matter how much it made the flowers shiver, at the end, it compelled them to shine. Maybe that’s how human lives are too; we strive and fight through all the hardships to reach our full potential. Perhaps, that’s what I have to do, strive even if I bleed, and romanticize the hues of life.
My Agony will Ricochet Through You is a poignant and introspective story that captures the essence of the past two tumultuous years. The protagonist, a young student, reflects on the tragic events that unfolded during the global pandemic. The author skillfully depicts the fear, uncertainty, and loss that permeated society during this time.
The narrative beautifully juxtaposes the harsh realities of the world with the solace found within the pages of a book. The protagonist seeks refuge in the library, where literature offers a temporary escape from the weight of their experiences. The use of descriptive language, such as the “melancholic sound of raindrops,” adds depth and emotion to the story.
Through the protagonist’s internal monologue, we gain insight into their struggle with anxiety and the lasting impact of the pandemic. The line, “I’ll bleed if ever tried to heal,” serves as a powerful metaphor, illustrating the pain and resilience that coexist within the human spirit.
Despite the somber tone, the story ends on a note of hope and determination. The protagonist recognizes the need to persevere and find beauty in life, even amidst adversity. The metaphor of rain compelling flowers to shine suggests that humans, too, can overcome hardships and reach their full potential.
“My Agony will Ricochet Through You” is a thought-provoking and evocative story that resonates with readers. It explores themes of resilience, the power of literature, and the indomitable human spirit. The writing style is engaging, and the narrative captures the essence of the human experience during a challenging period in history.