08/01/2023
I hope they know that I can get up a thousand times, walk a further hundred miles in the rain for things that I long for—but I can't do it on my own.
I never asked for it, but I do need the silent cheers. The one-armed hugs, the reassurance that whatever happens, and if I ever stumble so hard I'd break into pieces, they would still be with me. Because then, failure wouldn't be so devastating and trying becomes so much easier.
I can dream and try reaching for the stars, but I hope they know one thing. I need them to believe I can.
—Jun Mark Patilan
Artwork: elka.graphics