Goodbye, Ify

“Hey wanted to mention to you in case you weren’t aware yet but Fey is no longer with us. They didn’t want to be here anymore and decided to take their life during the week.”

Eight years. That’s how long I knew you.

Seven days. How long it took me to cry.

That’s the thing - I’m kinda slow. Bad news usually hits like a foam brick. Zilch. Nothing. No feelings at first.

Then, a week later at midnight, playing the same sad song over and over again, I start to bawl. Ify! Ify! You really tried.

You’re the only person I know called Ifeyinwa. There is nothing as great as a child. I’m sure you told me the meaning once but I forgot. Now I won’t forget again.

I don’t yet have the words but I felt the need to say something. I want to stop the world for a minute and tell them about you. You would absolutely hate it, but you’re not here to stop me.