Dear Sasha

Summary

Kahlil writes an open letter to their missing sister, Sasha, expressing deep sorrow, hope for her well-being, and the impact of her absence on their life.

Abstract

In an emotional open letter, Kahlil addresses their missing sister, Sasha Hernandez, reflecting on the year that has passed since her disappearance. They share the pain of her being abandoned by their brother and the confusion and fear Sasha must have felt. Kahlil expresses regret for not being able to protect Sasha and questions whether they have forgiven their brother for the heartless act. The letter reveals Kahlil's deep longing for Sasha, recalling fond memories of their time together and the shared grief over their mother's death. Kahlil hopes for Sasha's safety and prosperity, believing that one day they will be reunited. The author's note at the end of the letter explains that writing about Sasha's absence is a way to overcome creative blocks and confront the pain of loss, inviting others who have experienced similar losses to share their stories.

Opinions

Kahlil believes that Sasha was wrongfully discarded and did not deserve such treatment.
Kahlil feels a strong personal connection to Sasha, viewing her as not just a pet but a family member.
The author harbors feelings of guilt and responsibility for not being there to safeguard Sasha.
Kahlil is uncertain about having forgiven their brother for abandoning Sasha, indicating lingering resentment.
The author holds onto hope and faith that Sasha is alive and well, and that they will be reunited someday.
Kahlil avoids certain activities and foods that remind them of Sasha, as they intensify the sense of loss.
The author empathizes with Sasha's confusion after their mother's death and understands the depth of her grief.
Kahlil cherishes the memories of Sasha's quirks and habits, such as her love for strawberry yogurt and spaghetti sauce.
The author reaches out to the community for support and to spread awareness of Sasha's disappearance, hoping for any information that might lead to her return.

An open letter to my missing sister.

Author’s Photo of Sasha Hernandez

Dear Sasha,

It’s been a year, since you’ve been gone. How are you? Did you find a family that loves introverted kitty cats as much as I do, or did they find you? That was my prayer, after you were so heartlessly discarded by our brother.

I can’t imagine how terrifying, and confusing those moments were — looking up at him, at someone you trusted, then watching him leave you in a dark strange place.

I hope you’ve made lots of friends out there. You’re tough and a badass, but you didn’t deserve to be dismissed like that. I’m sorry that I wasn’t there to protect you, to make sure that you always had a place. When he got rid of you, I felt like he was getting rid of me too. The disregard that he showed for your life is the same I felt he had for mine. I’m still not sure if I’ve forgiven him. Have you?

Did you cry as much as I did? The swear words flowed the day I found out what happened. I remember my mask being soaked with tears, and snot until it drooped on my face.

I looked for you. A lot of people looked for you. I still believe that someday, God will answer my prayer, and give you back to me. I miss you, desperately. The way you’d harass me when I ate tuna salad, hell the way you’d harass me when I’d eat anything.

I avoid strawberry yogurt now, because it’s your favorite, and it hurts to not be able to share some with you. I haven’t made any spaghetti since you’ve been gone. Because I know you won’t be there to hop up beside me and claim your share of the sauce.

After mom died, I felt your hurt too. You above anyone else, also as her daughter, understood that unspeakable pain. My heart broke to watch you look for her, to see you dash into the room, while I was talking because you maybe thought I was her. Or did you know it was me?

I miss your sweet voice.

Continued prayers of protection, and prosperity for you — that you will catch many good mice to share with someone awesome.

Love your big sis,

Kahlil

Author’s Note:

Here’s a brain-dump as Jolie A. Doggett called it during the last Creator’s Hub workshop, to get past a few mental hurdles that have kept me from creating. Now that I realize how much Sasha’s absence still hurts me, I can confront it as any writer would — with words.

If there are any other animal lovers out there who have lost a four-legged, finned, winged or scaly family member, I’d love to hear from you.

Also, if anyone in the Richmond, Virginia area’s Southside has seen her, please leave me a message in the comments. If you’d like to view one of the first Facebook missing announcements, click here.

Culture + Pets

Dear Sasha

An open letter to my missing sister.