The Clock in the Kitchen

April 5, 2026

by Alfredo

It began last autumn, on the final day of October. My aunt was driving home when her car slid off the wet road. She was gone before anyone could reach her.

Just a day before, she had argued with my sister. My sister, in a moment of anger, had shouted words she deeply regretted. Then the accident happened.

About a week later, my sister woke up suddenly in the night. She went to the kitchen for a glass of water. As she turned to leave, a soft light gathered in my aunt’s favorite armchair. She felt a warm presence and a clear sense that she was forgiven, and that she was now the one to look after the family.

Sometimes we hear her laugh, a sound we all remember from her happy moments. It makes my heart jump every time. Once, we were all eating dinner when the radio in the living room turned on by itself. The station was tuned to her favorite songs.

The digital clock on the stove often changes. My aunt was a nurse, and she used a twenty-four hour clock. Now, the time on the stove always shows that same style. I would give anything to have one more conversation with her.

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