SOLITUDE

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Feeling the heaviness, I thought I would drown. Everything was so blurry, I feared I would go blind. I was afraid—lost, unsure of where to turn. My right became my left, my steps uncertain. Even as I tried to crawl forward, the laughter and chaos of the crowd pulled at me. But I was exhausted. I needed to rest.

Then I saw a curtain. No one else seemed to notice it, and curiosity stirred within me. I hesitated, the familiar voice of caution whispering, "Mind your business." But something stronger urged me forward. I reached out, drawing the curtain aside—and there it was. Struck by its beauty, I ran in. "Where is this place?" I whispered.

Thinking I was alone, I startled at the reply. "The place your heart has been yearning for."

I twirled, lifted my gaze, closed my eyes. A smile broke free. Then laughter. Then tears. But this time, they were tears of joy.

"This is Heaven," I breathed. I needed this—oh, how I needed this. Away from the noise. Away from everything.

"But you have to go back," the voice reminded me. And just like that, fear and anger pierced through me. I wasn’t ready. I didn’t want to leave. But reality was calling. I had no choice.

"I am still here for you," the voice assured me, gentle and unwavering. "Whenever and however you need me. This is still your heaven."

Their arms opened wide, and without hesitation, I ran into them. "Thank you. Thank you for the peace you’ve given me. I will see you again. Wait for me, will you?"

They smiled. "Always have. Always will."

And with that, I stepped back into the world, carrying Heaven within me.

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