Treasure it all

My dearest Gayu,

Words cannot describe the weight I feel in my chest.

His passing was so unexpected.

I truly believe you are one of the strongest people I know. I know you'll keep Acha's legacy alive. You'll continue on with school, and he will be watching over you. He'll be there to support you through it all, because he raised a daughter who can do anything she sets her mind and heart to.

Acha was a mysterious man to me, but I know, without a doubt, that he is proud of who you've become and who you will continue to become.

I'm reminded to treasure time with those we hold close. Life has an unpredictable path.

I know you, and I know you're strong. But I also know there's only so much strength one can show the world. I know you need to stay composed for Amma and your brother, but I hope you've been able to take time for yourself to process everything.

I'm counting down the days until I can see you again, until I can give you the embrace you deserve. But in the meantime, we can celebrate the life Acha lived. He provided for the family and helped raise such beautiful people.

With love,

Emma

Liminal

Uneasy with these thoughts that spin in my head

Nowadays they're louder than before

Can I continue along this path I've chosen?

Everyday I wonder about the "What if"

Reality hits and I realize I can't daydream forever

This is what I chose to do, I shouldn't leave

Always being thrown into the deep end

I feel like I'm drowning

Not sure what's next for me

These strings keeping me up might break

Yelling to myself, just hold up a bit longer

Dear AF

Although I haven't known you for that long, I am very grateful to call you one of my close friends here in this city. I respect your work ethic and also your dedication to your faith. I appreciate how we both share a similar sense of humor. I can always count on you to also not know what's going on in pop-culture or TikTok LOL. Anyways, the reason I'm writing to you is because recently your actions spoke a thousand words and I wanted to tell you. I had a big life event, which all my closest friends knew about. I feel so loved knowing that you all are very supportive. However, I want you to know that you choosing to stay by my side until I needed to go was a small action that meant so much to me. I didn't think such an action would make such a big impact on me, because I feel like I'm usually indifferent on whether I have company or not. But you sitting by me felt like a supportive hand on my back to reassure me that you don't plan on leaving. I told you, "You don't have to," but you told me "I want to." I'm so grateful for you, truly.