The Year Monster

You've finally located the cause of this depression. It's all because you've forgotten to paste that red couplets on your door.

Memories you thought you'd put behind, hardship you thought you'd overcome, and wounds you thought you'd sustained did not really disappear. They merely lie waiting in the dark. On the occasion when the Year Monster arrives and you failed to install a door charm, they leap on the chance and storm in, tap-dancing on your mind, juggling and somersaulting.

You finally understand the nature of holiday blue. For on this day of reunion, nobody has a legitimate reason to be unhappy. You can only swallow your tears, avoid eye contact, faking a smile, while the darkness eats you up alive.

You know the emptiness inside after you indulge yourself in a big, big meal. But the Year Monster's appetite knows no limit. It devours your confidence, your peace and quiet until you are but an empty shell, the only thought left being, "I hate myself. Let me lie down to sleep, never to wake up."

I

hate

myself.

 

Have you had enough to eat, Year Monster?

Are you full yet?

Isn't it time to leave?

NEVER NEVER NEVER say good-bye!