Peek a Boo

Object permanence: The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or otherwise sensed. This is a fundamental concept studied in the field of developmental psychology, the subfield of psychology that addresses the development of young children's social and mental capacities.

When we are children, we play a game with those we love. They put their hands in front of their face and we think they are gone forever. When they reappear, we are delighted and laugh at the silliness of thinking they had disappeared. We learn they are right around the corner, just beyond our sight, and they will reappear eventually. 

So, what happens when they don’t? 

It’s been years, and I still can’t believe I won’t hear her voice again. She must be on the other end of the phone, just beyond the buzz of the line. I can feel her old crow grip on my arm, demanding my full attention. How can it be that she is gone, am I imagining her? How has time passed so slowly and yet I existed on the same plane as her only yesterday? Where is the veil I can lift? 

I feel like I am still a baby, waiting for her to lower her hands and I can laugh with her again. 

The suspense is killing me…