For many, disagreements with friends often seem temporary—issues that can be sorted out in time. But for Gathoni Mugweru, a young Kenyan TikTok user, the harsh reality of time’s unpredictability has left her with a wound that may never fully heal.
In a sorrowful TikTok video, Gathoni shared the painful story of how a quarrel with her close friend, Eva Njeri Wamai, ended in silence rather than reconciliation. Instead of resolving their misunderstanding, the two blocked each other online—unaware that it would be their final interaction.
“She died before we could solve it, and I’ll never get that chance back,” Gathoni wrote, her words echoing the agony of unfinished goodbyes.
When Njeri passed away unexpectedly, Gathoni was left devastated. At her funeral, she clutched a leaflet bearing her late friend’s name, birth date, and death date—a reminder of both the beauty and brevity of life. She later shared the heartbreaking moment online, writing: “So no, you cannot hurt me. I already know the pain of unfinished goodbyes.”
The burial site, adorned with vibrant flowers, stood in stark contrast to the grief in Gathoni’s heart. It was a visual reminder that while life blooms with beauty, it can wither without warning.
Reflecting on her painful experience, Gathoni urged others to treasure their loved ones and resolve conflicts quickly. “Keep in mind that a clock is ticking somewhere. Enjoy life and love those you care about. Cherish your people and fix things while you can; life is too short.”
Her story has since resonated with many online, serving as both a personal lament and a universal lesson: reconciliation delayed may become reconciliation denied.
