This was so bittersweet. Short, yet fleshed out enough and still deeply touching. I'd like to imagine it shows the stages of grief and how it can become unhealthy. How the ML coming back when the MC writes him letters symbolizes being stuck in dysfunctional grief that's taking over way too much of one's reality, to the point where the person still feels alive, like his death hasn't been properly processed and accepted (the fact the MC doubts he's dead when he drinks with friends just further confirms this initial stage of denial). Then there's the point of no return where this denial just leads to more pain and suffering, with the ML becoming a more violent, uncontrollable spirit that could potentially kill the MC. That to me shows how complex grief could even kill the one who experiences it, be it because it makes them very mentally ill or pushes them over the edge. Only when the MC lets go of the ML (state of acceptance), could he reconnect with the memory of him by writing letters. This story beautifully shows the overcoming of being stuck in specific stages of grief, and how moving on doesn't mean it goes away (it never does), but expanding your own experiences, relationships and every day life makes it so grief doesn't take up the most space. (The MC making new friends, going out more and even mentioning he doesn't think much about the loss of his loved one on some days while he deeply misses him on others illustrates that perfectly).
This was so bittersweet. Short, yet fleshed out enough and still deeply touching. I'd like to imagine it shows the stages of grief and how it can become unhealthy. How the ML coming back when the MC writes him letters symbolizes being stuck in dysfunctional grief that's taking over way too much of one's reality, to the point where the person still feels alive, like his death hasn't been properly processed and accepted (the fact the MC doubts he's dead when he drinks with friends just further confirms this initial stage of denial). Then there's the point of no return where this denial just leads to more pain and suffering, with the ML becoming a more violent, uncontrollable spirit that could potentially kill the MC. That to me shows how complex grief could even kill the one who experiences it, be it because it makes them very mentally ill or pushes them over the edge. Only when the MC lets go of the ML (state of acceptance), could he reconnect with the memory of him by writing letters. This story beautifully shows the overcoming of being stuck in specific stages of grief, and how moving on doesn't mean it goes away (it never does), but expanding your own experiences, relationships and every day life makes it so grief doesn't take up the most space. (The MC making new friends, going out more and even mentioning he doesn't think much about the loss of his loved one on some days while he deeply misses him on others illustrates that perfectly).