Member-only story
“Parasocial Grief”
Collective Channeling
There are losses that feel close even when we never truly knew the person. That kind of mourning is often called parasocial grief — grieving someone we only knew through a screen, yet who still managed to feel present in our lives.
For me, that someone was Malik Taylor.
Malik was only twenty-eight, yet his presence carried humor, respectfulness, and a light that made him stand out. He had a way of speaking on controversial topics with wit and depth — light yet layered, playful yet thoughtful. His smile was infectious, his laughter warm, his aura the kind that made you feel at ease, even through a screen.
What stays with me is the timing. I learned of his passing from posts dated two days ago, just before midnight my time. I believe I listened to one of his videos after he was already gone. His voice, his presence, his light still reaching me beyond his earthly time. That realization felt surreal, as if the Universe had paused, letting me hold onto his energy one last time.
He went before his time, but in the space he did share, Malik left behind a legacy of joy, respect, and authenticity.
I did not know him personally, but I will miss seeing him, hearing him, and feeling the light he brought through the screen.
