the impression that remains

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It was just before he left that he realized: the first impression is not what remains.

He lived a disgraceful life, full of pain and whining. He knew hunger, misery, despair and ignominy. He sold his garments and his body, became a child of this world, and in this world he lived, wandering and marching against honesty and good character.

Then came the disease. That ‘mardita’. Overwhelming and untamable, it took over his being. And then he took care of himself. What it was, what it was and what it would be. He was afraid… Regret… He went through the forgetfulness of some as well as the forgiveness of others. But he made himself new in mind and heart. He rejoiced with himself and forgave himself too.

It was no longer the same, while the outside reflected its past and the inside overflowed its future. It wasn’t the same anymore. And everyone knew even those who didn’t forgive him but at least respected his new self.

And it was just before he left that he realized: the first impression is not what remains.

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