In the coming years, I anticipate revisiting the serene landscapes of Olympia, Washington, and Northern California. My parents' long-divorced status added a layer of complexity to an already difficult situation, and I believe that the passage of time will bring new perspectives. I am looking forward to finding peace and closure.

As I move forward, I anticipate creating new positive moments and cherishing happier memories. I look forward to the opportunity to be a more understanding individual and to embrace the chance to build stronger connections with my loved ones.

In the future, I hope to find solace in the tranquil forests, breathing in the scent of the first rainfall, and discovering beauty in the lilac and midnight iris everywhere. I anticipate that these experiences should help me process my emotions and bring me a sense of healing and understanding.

I couldn't forget one thing, one precious promise that I clung to after my father passed away. If he were still here, my mom and I wouldn't have bickered about money and school, but rather about which flowers to plant in our garden. I yearned for lavender and blueberries, while she insisted on lemongrass and midnight iris. After our family fell apart, we ended up planting both. The blend of fruity, fresh air and earthy scents triggered a flood of memories that I can't shake.

After my dad's death, I made a solemn vow to push through and earn my college degree. To solidify this commitment to education, I kept the same handkerchief he used to dry his tears under my pillow. Through thirteen moves over the years, it stayed with me, until it disappeared in Astoria, a yellow handkerchief stained with ink.

I believe it's the vow itself and my faith that have protected me all these years. I didn't need the handkerchief to realize that, but perhaps its loss brought me back to my faith.

After the coffee is finished, she strolls about the woods and drinks tea. She likes to go to the woods and clear her mind. It becomes the clarity of her day each morning. She smells the first time of rainfall. It blends to the grass. Also, meditation helps to ease and soothe the stress of her life. Sometimes she goes to yoga before heading to college. She attends school every Tuesday morning and Thursday and Friday evening. She studies sociology and human justice. Her favorite course is philosophy. Today is Thursday so she goes to art history. She has always been an artist and is inspired to be an art therapist. She has been doing lots of paintings and junk journals. She furthermore enjoys songwriting and is a published poet. Art and poetry allow her to express her fears and dreams. She lies awake and stands up with a panic attack and worries about how the world is going to see her. This worry stems from the loneliness of her childhood. She grew up in a foster group home and the supervision was limited. She also has autism and struggles with severe social anxiety. She is a great example of a voice for autism.

I am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions. I was born from a hurricane of rage and the seed sown in shame. Yet I embraced with fiery grace, defying fate I took my place. In the crucible of adversity, I was forged. Each trial and tribulation only empowered my courage. No hand to help, no loving grace. But within me a flame ablaze. My laughter echoes through the night, a beacon of hope in the shadow’s light. It is in the despair that my strength in the face of cruelty I learned to relentlessly show kindness blooming in the wounded heart; a gentle flower.

5000 hours after high school graduation here ultimately we are- university roommates. Here in the bustling town of Olympia, there was I, a freshman. I was just beaming with excitement and a touch of anxiety as I moved in. As I unpacked my boxes and bags, that eagerness continued. The only shadow looming over this bright beginning light was the memory of a high school student, my arch nemesis, Persephone, whose mere presence used to make my skin boil. Still waiting for the new roommate to arrive, I couldn't help but wonder if I might like them, what they might be like. Then I woke up and she was there. Surprisingly the feeling of anger didn't spark. Only the other remembererence of our once inseparable days partnering in petty theft, swiping delights from unsuspecting neighbors, and our middle school adventures were our secret bond. A thrilling game only we shared. But as high school commenced, I, feeling the weight of the guilt; decided to focus on my academics and let go of the path of mischief. Persephone, however, found it harder to let go of the thrills and started again down the dark path.

Our choices set us on an avenue to rivalry. In the hollowed halls of Nine Oaks High School, we evolved against each other. Alexandria excelled in sports and class, yet nevertheless, Persephone, the cunning trickster, used her delights and witts to gain popularity.

The flashlight suddenly stopped as the alarm clock went through. “I hope to shout” Alex slyly and swiftly hinted to her former bestie that it was morning. “ I AM UP ALREADY”, shouted Miss Persephone Fox.

Well by Jove I think she got the memo I think to myself

I got showered, took out my heatless spiral, and found an old skirt my mother wore back in her college days.

“Please, tell me you aren't going to go to orientation wearing that disgusting skirt”. , Persephone hissed across the dorm, placing in perfect order her helix earrings.

I didn't bother to verbally acknowledge her. Not until I noticed those spiders she calls eyelashes, and several new tattoos featuring her three favorite things: chemistry (the dopamine symbol ), a heart chakra, and Spongebob.

Believe me, it took every ounce of my might to not snicker in her direction * Well, look who's talking*! Still, surprisingly the fact that I barely remember hating her now actually hurts me a little.

Like it was just a whisper in the wind.

UNIVERSITY OF EVERGREEN FALL 2031 ORIENTATION

Persephone the same as always, the visionary at heart whipped her long copper ringlets into a bandana without looking into a mirror.

“We’re going to be late,” I said as she continued getting ready. She looked at me with her hazel grey eyes and pointed at the laptop: ONLY FOR SOPHOMORES ENTERING INTERNSHIPS

I looked in disappointment and disbelief. I was so confused and such a planner for this moment.

We were so lucky to have such an amazingly amicable start to our journey…… until the end of our 206 days apart. My first day went great but I was dead tired after my favorite class, philosophy.

Law And Ethics 101 with several other people all from my high school was quite a bit more than a refresher to my day.’ Including the ever-daring Persephone, there was a former high school sweetheart of mine in the class.

No it can’t be……Owen Allegra!

My heart went out to Persephone for having had this collegiate interaction firsthand and for being the preferably smarter one (in this case) to have rejected this boyishly alluring gentleman who was her middle school crush too. Owen, Persephone, and I spent the whole afternoon together, and the study hours as well. It was such a highlight of my first day. “Remember the junior year prom?” Owen asked me while hands giving a sign to the next question about statistics in the textbook.

The theme of the prom was Aurora Borealis as our class travels were to be in Sweden that year. The vegan Persephone switched the subject matter and brought up the time Owen asserted his love for the wrong girl in Swedish.

MIN KANDELBUELLE, JAG ALASKAR DIG

That was it! “Keep in mind that I am the one who dated him, not you” I hardly had the nerve to talk.
I felt like I was reading his mind through the way I could see that his eyes darted to her. I hated her not because of the way she got me in such a way of trouble but rather because of the lack of faith I had she wouldn't have stolen Owen from me. I think that this boiled my skin more than the menace I was becoming back than.

Shoulder-length Auburn and twirly ringlets with almond lowlights. Alabaster with a blue and peachy birthmark under her left eye, several chemistry tattoos, and only freckles on her legs and arms perfectly white but with one ‘vampire tooth’ on the right side her ears have a helix piercing on the left side, the palest part of her skin. Eyes- hazel with grey circles, long fake eyelashes.

Lips : heart-shaped fuller lips, naturally a nude light peach color. Nose - Hawk-like and elegant just like her lips but not as much as her virtually perfect (except for the vampire's tooth) smile. No piercing or freckles on the face of Persephone

Body type and posture- banana-like curves, tall (5’10”) medium-sized chest, thin waist and wide hips, heathy posture

Father I want to thank you for the memories even if they were not mine or always kind to me: my mother taught me to always respect my elders even though death parted us all thirteen years ago. The unwanted memories still remain. The most innnocent I could imagine being and breaking my own Heavenly Father’s heart. How could you forget all these beers ago, haunted by your own past. Still waiting for you to remember that’s why you were doing screaming and yelling “Embers, embers” while the church member was still there, you hit my brother in the face. Such a shame Shameful disgusting disgrace Seven years before where were you to protect your daughter?
I hope your stupid little friend was aware of that I would grow up still gentle yet strong.
I hated that unwanted feeling, but it left me with a song to write and a signature on my back Still your youngest little darling grew up. Father please forgive me Not knowing what you were let alone who I was

I’m grateful for the sweet smell of honeysuckle and rosemary in my garden. I’m grateful for how close I am to staying motivated. I’m grateful for the time I take to care for my mother. I’m grateful to have met you, who I will always love and hold dear in my heart. I’m grateful for planning a future. I’m grateful for my mind and how my perception of this life has changed. I’m grateful for the kiss of coffee you give me as I step out the door each morning. I’m grateful for the days that we can walk together and speak with only thoughts of blessings. I’m grateful for the time I got sick and learned how to heal myself, even if it was for those who had me crack at first. I’m grateful for the mistakes and missed opportunities that led me to where I am now. I’m grateful for the hard times that made me stronger. I’m grateful for days I am wrong. I’m grateful for my growth and if you’re reading this, I’m happy for yours too. It might take hard times to realize what satisfaction is but just know it’s you who makes your happiness so don’t give up on your pursuit. Stay away from those who want to see you fail and draw closer to those who want you to prevail over. With every fiber of my heart I mean this.

If only the dream of freedom was more just wondering imagination and lost responsibility. If only I could tell you that justice, having a nation of equity and equality is more than socialism; it’s fair to every average American. If only you knew how much I miss you. If only you would listen to my voice cracking as I tell you I’m sorry. If only you would have told me the future that you planned. If only that night laughing in your car and watching the sunrise was enough. If only I felt the world within that kiss. If only that greyhound on my lap hadn’t got scared. If only I could tell you how cute it was to see your frightened face as I tell you about weird medical studies. If only I could see us still bring buddies. If only this life was all enough. If only I would listened to the voice inside my head who told me I don’t have anything to prove. If only had the courage to move the move. If only you were here to fly to me the moon. If only we could keep the memories of the grove. If only I was your first and last. If only I knew that I was truly your lady. If only you knew that you were definitely my lord.

If your hand could reach inside my heart, what would you do with it? Would you try to see if your touch could feel it skipping a beat? Would you pull my heartstrings even tighter and tell me how you miss me? Would you tell me to be quiet? Would you hold my heartstrings like a madman whose piano needs tuning? Would you insist on your voice being the last melodious thing I hear? Would you rather that be the last thing I hear?

Would you tell me I don’t belong to anyone? Would you then tell me more about this future alone you see for me?

Would you go on to tell me I’m crazy? Would you even notice that I’m a changed person now? Would you rather gush over the years we’ve been talking to each for? Would you tell me how I’m just as ugly as I once saw myself? Would you like me to be scared? Would you wonder why life has put us right there but so far away? Would you pull my heartstrings with piano wire and make symphonies to my pain? Would you like be hide my eyes while I do feel this? Would rather see the tears? Would talk about the walking watermelons and that wealthy photographer and her poorly planned heist? Would you like me to show my eyes than? Would you than pull out the piano wire?