A few years ago I had a great aunt who was living in an assisted care facility. She was sick with lupus(I know right?). My father and I would go and visit her, bring her a sandwich from her favorite place; sit and talk about life. One day when I walked in there was another woman in her room, apparently she had acquired a room mate.

This lady was clearly at death's door. Her skin was translucent, like parchment with thousands of tiny blue veins. Her eyes were the blue of a crisp fall morning. Her hair was unkempt and falling out. I said hello and went to walk past her. She grabbed my wrist and said "Jim? why don't you ever visit me anymore Jim. i tried to be a good mother to you, how is Marie? she's such a nice girl".

I tried to explain that I wasn't Jim, tried to get away from the vortex of despair howling behind those eyes. she wouldn't let go. She started to cry, saying she loved me and missed me. All I could do was say "I'm sorry Mom, I'm here now."

Finally a nurse came in and pulled her away, took her out into the hall. She stared at me until she was out of sight.

Feels fucking bad man.