By: Eric Fomley.

Today I’m Li.

I sit on my bed while mom talks to me about my brother and sister. She’s choking back tears.

Today I’m Ebony.

I toss a softball around the yard with my dad, watching the look on his face transform from open hurt to dull resignation.

Today I’m Bethany.

I’m listening to my husband sob that he wishes he could grab my hand and walk home with me.

Today I’m no one.

Because no visitors have entered the grief therapy pod yet. But when they do, I’ll be whoever they need me to be.

Until they don’t anymore.

© 2026. Eric Fomley

Eric Fomley’s stories have appeared in Clarkesworld, Daily Science Fiction, and Flame Tree Press. ericfomley.com.

Posted March 18, 2026.