the lingering

by Kit Zimmerman

I had a feeling you’d be back.

The cards? They’re for you. It’s plain to see you’re confused, even without a reading.

I know you might not recall, but I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. I’m not one to squander a gift. Ignoring you would be cruel, so we’ll do this as many times as you need. With enough repetition, something will stick eventually; let’s draw your first card.

The Tower.

It’s as I said last time. Upheaval. Destruction. Not from what’s happening, but what isn’t. You aren’t the only one in pain. This…lingering—it’s harming others, too. Those you love. You can endure it. They cannot. Try to remember that.

Seven of Wands.

You’re trapped, unable to move on. But so are they. They’ve kept your room just as it was. I am sorry to say it, but it bears repeating if not for your sake, then for theirs: what you cling to is a delusion. You must leave them be.

Death.

The source of it all. The grief. The anger. Your envy of what they are, and you are not.

Ten of Swords.

A cycle that does not have to be—most painful when it ends where it began. You must break it.  

Six of Swords.

If you accept Death, this torment will end. Take comfort in knowing you were loved and loved well. Carry it with you. Time means nothing to you now. 

You’re still confused?

That’s okay. I can perform another reading later. True divination is a taxing magic. In the meantime, try to remember. Try to accept.

I will help you. I promise.

Photo of Kit Zimmerman

BIO: Kit is a first-generation college student studying Creative Writing and English at Southern New Hampshire University, with previous publications in The Penmen Review, Every Writer Magazine, and a 2024 Amby Award-winning short
story collection on Wattpad with a shortlisted 2025 sequel. He currently works as a writing tutor for undergraduates in North Texas and previously volunteered as an editor and submissions reader for two literary magazines.