The Woman Who Collected GoodByes

Title: The Woman Who Collected GoodByes

Summary:

Some people collect tangible things—stamps, coins, rare books, antique dolls. Objects with
defined edges, measurable value, physical presence. Things that can be cataloged, displayed,
insured against loss.
Elya Merrick collected goodbyes.
Not the words themselves, though she had a mental repository of final phrases that had been
spoken to her over the years. “Take care.” “See you around.” “It’s not you, it’s me.” “I’ll call you.”
Those familiar platitudes that serve as bridges between presence and absence, between
connection and separation.