When the Flame Dies, Life Begins Anew

“I release anyone who’s ever loved me from any anger, guilt, shame, confusion, longing, thought, or other emotion. In turn, I release myself from the same. I thank them for everything they brought into my life and I hope I returned to them something of value. I leave within the universal quanta the happenstance of our lives.”

The butane lighter clicks. Blue flame erupts. The wick ignites. I release my finger from the trigger and notice how silent the world is.

Sometime later, I notice the candle is but a puddle of wax in the container. I breathe in, and when I breathe out, a new universe is formed.