the laundromat, lately

By Luei En Le

January comes with the sharpest ache. Something unforgivable. 

Tenderness from the laundromat returns. Lingers like the smell 

still suffuses my pillowcase. I still hold space for you. My breath 

at every turn sounds like a gasp. Your distinct footfalls soundtrack my

dreams. The whirring of washing machines reaches a crescendo. I lose

myself in routine, stroking the chin of a cat you named Cleo. Cleo 

for Cleopatra. You must be studying for Sejarah1 now. The laundromat

takes on a mechanical cadence when you’re not around. Come back to

the suburbs, Cleo misses you. 

1 Sejarah refers to the mandatory History examination all Form 5 Malaysian students must sit for.