Written by Abegail Caranto

it has been an ongoing battle between who I was and who I am at the present
a push and pull of everything left behind and everything that lingered. 
the little things that strived to remain
and the significant ones never lost. 
but I know for a fact that this nonstop war 
between all pieces of you is still existing, 
there, to wherever you are at the moment.

i do not believe that you would entirely know the whys 
but trust that despite the uncertainties of each tomorrow 
you will have the persistent strength you always had 
and hope—what a trivial-sounding word—is there to stay. 
fear would be its partner, the same way it's beside me while I write. 

i know you would forget most of the time 
that you are not required, not consistently, 
to be brave
to hide behind sturdy walls
to keep your heart tucked under your shirt and skin, 
but its alright, 
to cower once in a while
to be defenseless and cry, 
to put in a sleeve your frigid warmth.

do not be scared to turn into ash
only your bones are capable of breaking. 
your soul will have crevices, 
and cracks with immense widths, 
but in those gaps
the future yous would seep through
—I saw you protrude slightly—hello. 

sincerely, 
me.