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Claire Polders's avatar

Your title drew me in, but your story did the magic. I mourn my father (gone for over 24 years) and my mother ( gone since 3 years) on moments I least expect it. They travel with me even if I don’t always pay them attention. I’m grateful for that.

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Shawn Brooks's avatar

Funny how borders are imaginary (for the most part) and there is no magic that happens when you cross them. It's the people and their beliefs that make a place unique. Borders can facilitate that by herding similar people into certain areas but doesn't mean that those lines aren't byproducts of our imagination.

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Dane Benko's avatar

"I thought about who would have jurisdiction if someone was murdered here"

Disputed border murders are such a rich area of mystery / thriller. Highly recommend J.S.A: Joint Security Area movie by Park Chan Wook and The City & The City book by China Mieville.

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Flavio Massignan's avatar

Beautiful assay! great metaphor, thank you for sharing!

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Noha Beshir's avatar

My God, Sam. I agree. This is your best essay.

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E.O. Connors's avatar

What a beautiful metaphor. I found myself running from grief as well, for decades.

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David Gemeinhardt's avatar

Borders are arbitrary and grief does dissipate. Meanwhile, I'm intrigued by this insight into Cyprus, which I know nothing about.

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