There’s going to be a full moon. It always strongly affects me. I’m emotional and sensitive as it is, but when the moonlight gets brighter and stronger, everything gets even worse. 

It’s been a tough day. Tough on the mind. My quiet thoughts that mull things over: What have I achieved in life, what can I improve, what can I change, what could be better; who do I miss and why; what would I like to change about myself and what I could never give up.

I’m lying on a large, old tree trunk by Lake Pieman. A strong wind is ruffling the branches of the tall trees. Fire is not allowed in this remote, Southwestern part of Tasmania. There are no high temperatures, no tough droughts, and a rainforest surrounds us on a large end of this island. I hear the last breaths of the flaming wood. The wind is creating waves on the surface of the lake, with the moon, that’s almost full, bathing in it. A few hours until it becomes full. 

I finally find my peace after a mentally tough day, when I open my eyes and see the clouds above me. I play with the shapes when I suddenly see her.

She’s smiling at me from the sky. It’s been a year since she said goodbye and went to find her peace. My aunt, who was always full of energy, good-natured and ready for mischief. This and that. I miss her! She smiled a wide smile at me from the sky; it sneaked up on my face for a moment as well. I cried afterwards. I miss her. Her, and all the others smiling down from the sky. Grandparents, uncles and pets. Dog Boni, with whom we ran across the meadows when I was struggling with puberty, and cat Kimi, who warmed me every time I needed a hug. 

They’re not with me anymore.