May 31, 2016

The wind slams the rain against the windows of the covered balcony.

I feel the damp enter the room and seep into the biscuits on the table, my father's ashes and the old shoes lying in the corner. I'd love to slip my feet into a pair of damp trainers. But shoes are made only for upright bodies. Prone bodies must remain barefoot in bed.

               Ma Jian - Beijing Coma (p 398)