From the artist: This piece is a reflection on the passing of time and life and our longing for connection portrayed through an elderly couple who find relief in each other’s company.

From the artist: Sometimes we can be so disconnected from our own internal struggles it’s almost as if we are living two lives. You could, I suppose, also interpret this piece as literally being two people, one who is struggling and the other who is oblivious to the struggle of their friend because they are consumed by a material focus.

Makoto Ogawa is a chief resident of radiology at Mount Sinai West. His pieces have appeared in the Nashville Review, Thirdspace Journal, and Intima. If you want to see more of his artwork alongside pictures of his kids, visit his Instagram @togokoto. Click here for his website.