DEAR ANCESTORS,

When I survived my birth, and you learned that I am a girl, what is the first thing that went through your mind? And, this one for the grandparents, considering that you were completely or functionally illiterate, what made you insist on full education for your kids (i.e. my parents)?

DEAR DESCENDANTS,

Being outside time, I can’t fathom what day to day living is like for you. I would recommend kindness, compassion, humility, gratitude. Those were the fashions back when I had breath. But maybe those choices get you killed nowadays.

Rebecca Fisseha is the author of the novel Daughters of Silence, as well as short stories, personal essays and articles that have appeared in Room Magazine, Joyland, Lithub, Zora by Medium, and Selamta. Born in Addis Ababa, she lives in Toronto.

Photo credit: Chris Frampton