Lucia Hunter

"Beautiful Birthday" (I'm glad I met you)

Piercing into the chilled dream, Ah-ah- (Ah-ah-) Was a ray of light (I need you right now) In all your brightness, you embraced Ah-ah (Ah-ah-) All of me

(Oh-oh-oh) It doesn't matter even if it's hell If I can be where you are That was what I felt at that time (Ah-) Even God was unnecessary, in such a Perfect (Beautiful World)

The world has (Don't let go) been waiting for you Your small yet big shining figure Can dye even the past By now (Don't let go) The shadows there are gone I'll shout it out, my gratitude and Bless your Birthday

Even if misunderstood and rebuked, Ah-ah- (Ah-ah-) I'll advance (Don't wanna lose you) There's a place where you are Ah-ah- (Ah-ah-) Just that is enough

With a shock like being burned The two halves of my brain were in turmoil With the lyrics you gave me (Ah-) My incomplete heart, it was so easy To fill it up (Beautiful World)

The world (Don't let go) exists along with you Your firm smile and unwavering gaze They're irreplaceable memories Never again (Don't let go) will I let you go With all my love, Bless your Birthday

I want you to be by my side I quietly swore that day

(R.A.S) R.A.S (We are!) (R.A.S) R.A.S (We are!)

I love you Now and forever... (I love you, too.)

(Beautiful World)

Passionately (Don't let go) our tears are overflowing Running towards that new possibility, wanting to see that greatest sight, Wanting to return that embrace

Even if we're consumed by the sad reality Our tears convey gratitude Because we knew that there was meaning in our path Singing while shouldering our painful sorrows (Wow wo wow) "Everyone" (Wow wo wow)

Fight it out! Fight it out! You yourself Fight it out! Fight it out! Bear your sins! (Fight it out! Fight it out! Real strength) "Fight!!" (Fight it out! Fight it out! Dwells in your heart!) "Fight!!"

Even if we lose our pride, Ever since that precious day we wished to be here, Our end will never come Ah... (Our shining feelings) We are one (Our sparkling voices) Because we knew that the sceneries we passed over were so beautiful We will advance forward (Wow wo wow) Unto eternity (Wow wo wow)

The feeling that your heart has been chilled by darkness It's important to let it out with your breath Stepping onto the path of deep suffering We noticed that all the pain was necessary (Wow wo wow) "Everyone" (Wow wo wow)

Fight it out! Fight it out! Your blooming life Fight it out! Fight it out! Bet it on your dream! (Fight it out! Fight it out! Real bonds) "Fight!!" (Fight it out! Fight it out! Write them in love!) "Fight!!"

It's fine even if we're miserable, Ever since we decided we would continue singing here, Our end will never come Ah... (Our passionate lips) We are one (Our burning gaze) The light is always by our side So the rose-coloured time will Be resolutely carved onwards (Wow wo wow) Unto eternity (Wow wo wow)

From here on, no matter how many times time stops, Each and every time, we will move the gears With just our emotions We will spin history onwards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAopYbtwD94

Within this world invaded by the shapeless sorrow, Call my name, hold me

Streetlamps burning in the beating rain The two of us stood side by side, watching I had no destination, but as long as you were there That was where I was meant to be

What's reflected in the cracked mirror, is a monochrome fossil of a dream What is it that you desire?

This fate that has yet to die still wishes to live If it isn't just momentum, then what is it? A spilled prayer at the end of my consciousness Before this all ends, please, love me

We cannot undo the things that we did; as the price for that wish I'll laugh until we can no longer feel lonely Please, stay by my side...

The rain that stopped, and that which vanished some time ago, I wonder if you've noticed? Without a doubt, even though those words that day had been true, They just ring hollow now

In the purgatory beyond the lies, is the transparent color of sin (memories) ... Where are you?

Pierced by the emotions that are no longer there That hurt, don't just cut it away and dispose of it On the other side of the mineral sky, it is said that there is a sad time you can only experience once

I cannot forget the things that I did; Tell a foolish adult Justice is an arrogant thing, I'll destroy it for you Lined up in the funeral procession of the passing hollow seasons is but old hope Even though this voice surely won't reach you, I'll still continue my Monologue

Hey, why do the sounds of the rain left ringing in my ears Sound so intense and yet so kind? Even though I couldn't tell you it was painful wanting to stay Surely you knew it all and were hurt by it.

This fate that has yet to die still wishes to live If it isn't just momentum, then what is it? A spilled love at the end of my consciousness Even now, even still, it boils within me, seeking you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5FS2x5sCuY

Shredding and scattering the petals of loneliness Just to decorate this world - So I exaggerate

The unspeakable words sink into darkness The tiniest moments closed within a coffin The result of the cruel prayer made in innocence, Being lost in the crowd, laughing

Can you hear my crumbling emotions? Honestly, I just really want to cry

While pretending to understand, I wanted you to understand With a false smile, we consumed time

On a day of blue skies, if the resonating melody can wrap around us, envelope us, Then I'll ask once more: Us humans, Why do we yearn? Why do we hurt others? ... Just kidding? I'm just lying by myself.

That childhood dream I was sure I had lost, was wavering in the depths of my watery reflection Almost like an eternal miniature garden, Though I can see it, I can never touch it.

Beautiful memories, Are sometimes cruel Almost like suffocating shackles

Staring into blank space, The moment you spoke, Why do my tears overflow?

Floating in the darkness is a tiny truth, If it shines upon us, if it would shine upon us, If someday, If I somehow find the reason that we were born, just kidding, that's just fantasy Together, the two of us reach out our hands

Like black inkblots mixing together, Even with a smudged lens, I still want to see a miracle.

Let's shred and scatter the petals of loneliness I'll always be by your side; These squeezed out words Even if they vanish within the wind Just a bit, just a little bit, I hope they make you a bit less lonely

You are a time traveller. You have jumped back from the distant future, an awful, terrible future where you have lost everything you loved. A loss so horrifying it destroys you just to think of it, and you know you must avoid it at all costs. You study. You prepare. You scheme and plan all you can to avoid running into the same dire ending you have come from. As the years go by, you soften. You forget. The things you have lost fade into the foggy depths of memory. With each day you lose a bit of who you are and become who you are supposed to be. Even so, you wait. You can't quite remember what for, but you feel you'll recognize that fork in the road when you come to it. You are a time traveller, waiting to take back your life. You spend your entire life waiting.

You are a revolutionary. You have read enough, seen enough in the news to know that the status quo cannot hold. There is an inherent inbalance in the existing sociopolitical system, driving societies to poverty and the planet into ruin. You campaign. You attend forums. You lobby against the elite and powerful. Someday, there will be a change. You know this for certain, because all downward spirals eventually hit rock bottom. It may be an incident, or it may be an individual. But someone or something, somewhere will be the trigger that everyone can finally rally behind. You are sure that when it does, the world will at last be able to heal. You are a revolutionary, waiting for a signal to spark the uprising. You spend your entire life waiting.

You are a creator. You eke out a living by day, and spend your time on your hobbies at night. You don't have professional training, but your budding ability is met with some level of affirmation on social media. You dream. You struggle. People always tell you the real value is in the journey and the hard work you put in, so it must be true. On rare occasions, you make a particular piece that resonates with thousands. Most of the time however, it fades into the obscurity of the internet. Someday though, you will definitely create a masterpiece that will launch you into fame. When that time comes, you will finally be able to make that mid-career switch and work on your passion for a living. You are a creator, waiting for the opportunity to create your future. You spend your entire life waiting.

No matter how high the sky is

No matter how shredded your wings are

Without fearing taking flight

Set your immortal bonds ablaze

Fly to the sky... Fire bird!

[Blaze a path towards your unending dream!]

(Burning up, Burning up)

(Lala, lalala, Lala, lalala)

(Lala, lalala, Lala, lalala)

The despair within the darkness

Please don't be afraid of it

Because within your chest always

Is a dream that lights the way

Within the fated choice,

Lies the reality of grief

But that's just the wings of affection

burdened upon your back...!

(Lala, lalala, Lala, lalala)

(Lala, lalala, Lala, lalala)

Take flight, these violet phoenix wings

Just like a bird of flame

We are... We'll sing any amount necessary

A dream that has become strong

Will never lose

We want to bring you there with us,

Towards the heavenly skies

Let's hold each other with no distance between,

and write our story into myths

With the wind of this music,

and unto the new world

(Burning up, Burning up)

(Lala, lalala, Lala, lalala)

Being separated from the place we began, We noticed the true form of our dreams Looking up at the clear skies high above, There's a place we can always return to...

The further we drift apart The more we hold it dearly During times like these all I wish for Is to meet the you who's facing forward singing

No matter how dazzling the sky is, (starry sky) There's only one star we're grasping onto Thus, there's no need to feel lost now (Without being lost) I want to reach towards that "future" with you all...

The song that shakes my heart Returns (towards tomorrow) Sing it once more, let it resonate once more With just your true feelings (towards tomorrow) Eternity mixes together with the future

A future that may yet come to pass, A past that may have already been lost To my own reflection within the mirror, "Just who are you?" I tried asking it

Searching through the wave of people I jumped out barefoot I don't want to lie to myself So please, let me see the continuation of this dream

No matter how eternal the sky is (forever sky) There's only one place we arrive at While lost within the endless maze (endless story) I picked up the pieces of our important "past"

The song that wanders through time Returns (once more) Our memories cross paths with that dream With just your true feelings (once more) Our fate mixes together with miracles

On the other side of the final door You smiled at me Why is it my heart trembles so? At the very least, let me cry until my tears dry

While battered by the cold rain (forever rain) There's only one dream keeping us warm No matter what happens ahead of us (I never change) We'll continue to feel the "now" of this dream

The song that shakes my heart Returns (never again) We won't part again, I won't let you go again Even if we're lost, no matter how many times (this dream) This song, this place, I want to return to it

Just before the year closes out, I thought I’ll run through my best moments of 2018. Here they are in chronological order:

End January: Extensive 4-day Numazu pilgrimage. This wasn’t my first trip down here, but it was my first one after they introduced the stamp rally. Also, it was the longest I ever stayed down there. Freezing my ass off on the cold Senbonhama beach, visiting Mission Bay for their fluffy pancakes, a whole lot of cycling until my butt hurt. It was a genuinely relaxing experience after a stressful event I helped organize, the town’s vibe is really just soothing when you’re into LL. 

Early Feb: Taiwan for Aqours Fan Meeting. I never thought I would fly to one of the East Asian countries just for a Fan Meeting level of event, but I absolutely did not regret this one at all. Excellent production value, superb selection of fan-letters, questions and mini-games, as well as a really great team of translators that TLed and retained nuances of their sentences and jokes without delay. My seats were plenty decent so it was a good view, and I also distinctly remember all the fan projects they set up. I was awed by the love of the local fan community, they’re good people. Also I’ve never been to Taiwan before so it was a good experience seeing new things. There was also a post-apocalyptic vibe in the night cityscape after the rain which I have fond memories of.

Mid May: Running into Wendy online over Discord again after 4-5 years apart? This seems like a weird thing to include here but basically back in the day when we were into Love Live!, we were both authors who would talk about our fics. And then subsequently she invited me into a LisaYuki server where I’ve met some really great people- people I’m not close to by any means, but they still show me more support than I deserve. All in all, I’m really grateful for this chance encounter for all the wonderful people I’m thankful to have met. Mid May: BanG Dream! 5th Live. This isn’t a good moment, but a painful one. I’ve talked a lot about how my planning for 5L DV started since last year, but this was one of the first moments that actually cemented my personal, emotional commitment to it. I cried a lot during this period after watching the videos, even if I hadn’t been following them beforehand. I’m still not sure why. I guess this was when I truly became fully devoted. This might also be the first time I acknowledged and put into words just what I had been doing up to that point: my personal mission to show other people the dreams that I was once shown.

Early-Mid June: Aqours 3rd Live trip. This was a hurricane trip starting with 3L Saitama, /r/LL offkai, a Numazu pilgrimage and then 3L Osaka. I really loved staying at Awashima Hotel- with a suite split between four people, it’s honestly not that bad price-wise. Having cars for us to do our pilgrimage was also pretty cool, I got to hit up spots I never would’ve been able to do otherwise, such as that mountain-top parking lot. 3L Osaka was also decently good, definitely better than Saitama. I mean overall 3L was pretty bad setlist-wise, but at least the experience was improved. But my favourite memory of 3L Osaka was our two Airbnbs: I was staying at ONIBE Airbnb on one end, and Whales Airbnb was a 5-minute walk away. On the last night, most of us just crammed around the Whales’ dining table and talked for a couple of hours. I was distinctly struck by the feeling of this Sado concept, 一期一会 (lit. One chance, one meeting). Every single meetup is precious, every moment is once in a lifetime. I love these people, and times like this is when I realise how insanely cool it is that such a connection can happen between people from such diverse walks of life around the world. That’s the power of our hobby.

Early August: BanG Dream! 5L DV in SG, Japan Park. The moment of catharsis here was real, watching everything come to fruition after a lengthy struggle. This was definitely my most impressionable moment and my achievement of the year. Finally being able to set that burden down was such an impossible relief. And the gifts and fan messages I received- irreplaceable. There were many things that could’ve gone wrong along the way, but were fine thanks to support and guidance from the people around me. Given the chance, I would like to challenge myself in similar ways in the future to see where I can further improve.

Mid September: Roselia Fan Meeting. I had committed to this one shortly after hearing about Akesan’s graduation. After being unable to attend 5L, I knew I didn’t want to sit by idly and be unable to witness this happening all over again. And thankfully, I made it into the night session with my own code from my own CD (my 3 donated ones failed heh). Night also kindly provided me with a ticket for the day session, so I was able to attend both. This was actually my first time witnessing a Roselia performance live. I still remember the excellent pacing of the sessions, and the fun questions and fanmail. And the live segments- watching Yukki’s performance was the first time I was truly able to accept her as Lisa in my eyes. Seeing them perform was amazing. Of course, those hand-written messages during the end of the night session, which caused literally everyone to break down aside from Akesan. And their final appearance back on stage as a band of four, asking for permission to turn their next event into a live performance. It was one of Roselia’s most powerful moments that I was grateful to have witnessed first-hand.

Early November: Writing my first fanfic in years. This is a minor one but something else I’m proud of. Writing a new piece was one of my goals for 2017 that I hadn’t been able to complete. I was glad I could do this again in 2018 with the help of Bandori.

Early November: Roselia Live Vier. Specifically, the reveal of Shizaki Kanon for the encore. Even though I knew what was coming beforehand, I was caught up in the hype: there was a seriously epic moment when the audience realised what they were in for as her back appeared in the pre-encore video. The noise went off the charts, and it only went even crazier as the staff came out onto stage to wheel the drums to one side. Absolutely lovely production.

Mid November: CharaExpo USA. Another insane rush with the costume project. This was honestly one of the most stressful things I had to do, almost as difficult as Japan Park & 5L DVs. But we pulled through together in the end, as a team, as a community. Of course, finally being able to meet a whole bunch of people I’ve been waiting to meet was amazing as well. And the fan messages I got, which I was really thankful for- they give me the courage to keep pushing on, to do what’s best for everyone. And oh, that moment when Nonchan made her surprise appearance on stage as well. I made sure I was there to witness the crowd’s reaction from the back and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Was even crazier than Vier’s audience, honestly.

Early December: BanG Dream! 6L Day 1: Brave New World by RAISE A SUILEN. Sneaking in just at the end of the year, RAS's live was a surprising contender for memorable moments of the year. I’ve always liked Electronic and House music, but damn, that was a show alright. A DECLARATION OF XXX was impossibly hyped on site. I can’t wait for them to release it.

Overall, a lot of things might have changed in my life, but I feel like the most visible changes were in the last few months.

It might have been the release from a lot of stress, having been working towards JPSG and BD 5L DVs. Or maybe it was having those exact things under my belt, having actual experience that gave me a little bit more confidence. Having been through all these things gives me not only precious memories in the past, but also more certainty in knowing what I am doing.

Honestly, 2018 has been a really good year to me, a pleasant change from the shitfest that was the year before. I’m thankful for all the opportunities that were given to me, all the awesome people I met along the way, and all the challenges that I was able to conquer.

Don't blame yourself, but rather embrace it Those who know their weaknesses carry strength And you hold that strength within yourself

That light flickering in the darkness, don't chase after it without invitation Don't lose sight of your comrades' eyes The obstacles we encounter while aiming for greater heights, Don't let them stop you with a half-opened heart

Covering your wounds just distances you from the real thing Without relying on peace or letting peace bury it, Every day, Let's do the best! Get in, Get in, Your heart

These highly pure feelings become jewels Being illuminated by every teardrop and sweat Seize the potential to compose infinity Try and shout "I won't give up" Like the unshakeable horizon, become an endless existence. Ready go now!

We clash, we doubt, we feel down when we fight. Even those days light a small hope. If the trembling presists, focus on your bonds and strip it off Bid farewell to that cast-off skin

Let's stop fooling around naively And take a swing with a determined hand Every day, Let's do the best! Get in, Get in, My heart

The things we've built up won't go to waste, If you focus your eyes, I'm sure you'll see all of it. If you breathe in a moment of courage, You'll be able to exhale all your fear in an instant With the lessons of life in your heart, play the song of the future Ready go now!

Your existence, even now it's supporting someone out there Be honest with the people you hold dear Face whatever comes seriously And give an answer with all your heart

These highly pure feelings become jewels Being illuminated by every teardrop and sweat Seize the potential to compose infinity Try and shout "I won't give up" Like the unshakeable horizon, become an endless existence. Ready go now!

Haven’t done song TLs in a while but had to given the mis-TLs out there...

April’s edition of Ultra Jump was a Guilty Kiss special. It featured a photoshoot, an interview with all 3 members, and a special Q&A section with each seiyuu. Here’s Rikyako’s 100 Questions!

Translated question template was provided by @saitou-shuka​.

Aida Rikako (Voice of Sakurauchi Riko) Nickname: Rikyako Birthday: August 8 Blood Type: O Hobbies: Watching movies, taking naps Skills: English conversation

1. Favorite food? Soup curry, Tom Yum Kang, Dried plums

2. Disliked food? None in particular.

3. Favorite sweets? Karikari Ume (Crunchy pickled plum).

4. Your number one favorite home-cooked dish? Tomato Curry.

5. Favorite color? Aqua blue, pink.

6. Favorite scent? The smell of SABON’s shampoo.

7. Favorite season? Winter.

8. Favorite event of the year? New Year’s Eve.

9. What sport do you like watching? I don’t really watch sports.

10. What sport do you like playing? I don’t do any sports in particular.

11. Favorite animal? Dogs.

12. If you were to compare yourself to an animal, what would you be? Black leopard.

13. Are you a dog person? Or a cat person? Definitely dog person.

14. Favorite manga? All the works by Yazawa Ai.

15. Favorite genre of manga? Whether it’s battles or love, I read them all.

16. First manga you read? The Rose of Versailles.

17. First anime you watched? Sailor Moon.

18. Favorite movie? Kamikaze Girls.

19. Favorite musical artist? SPYAIR.

20. Song(s) you listen to every day? None in particular.

21. First CD you bought? SMAP’s Yozora no Mukou.

22. Your specialty song at karaoke? Aozora no Namida, Taiyou no Uta

23. Phone lock screen? An otter.

24. A clothing brand you often buy? Adidas, BEAMS.

25. Your best outfit? A one-piece.

26. Favorite place in your house? My bed.

27. What do you want most right now? A Nintendo Switch, and a Tefal frying pan.

28. What’s something that you’ll always carry in your bag? Make-up pouch, toothbrush.

29. What’s something you’ve been collecting unintentionally? Make-up.

30. What’s your treasure? The important people around me.

31. What kind of child were you? A shy kid.

32. Your childhood treasure? A Sailor Moon toy.

33. Your childhood dream? To become a singer.

34. Someone you respect? GACKT.

35. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Taiwan!

36. What country do you want to try visiting? France.

37. Any bad habits? Sleeping with my hands stretched above my head.

38. Do you have a catchphrase? Ah, that’s right.

39. Charm point? Eyes!

40. A strength you have? I don’t get mad easily, I don’t get fussed over small details.

41. A shortcoming you have? Living aimlessly.

42. Your special skill? Falling asleep instantly.

43. Something you’re bad at? Making small talk.

44. A precise weakness of yours? Bugs…

45. What do you want to fix about yourself? Not listening to people’s instructions.

46. What’s something you could live off of? Sour things.

47. What are you confident you can imitate well? Coji-Coji.

48. Your current obsession? Meiji’s Sokkou Genki Jelly.

49. A phrase you’ve been using a lot? I see.

50. Favorite motto? To see things I started through to the end.

51. If you could describe yourself with one word, what would it be? Human.

52. Something you’ve been picky about recently? I’ve been picky about my hairstyle.

53. Fill in the blank with something positive: I’m actually _. I’m actually easily moved to tears.

54. Fill in the blank with something negative: I’m actually _. I’m actually very pessimistic.

55. Anything but this! Having indelicate remarks said to me!

56. What would the world be better off without? Bugs.

57. How do you kill time? I surf Instagram.

58. How do you relieve stress and refresh yourself? Shopping, eating outside.

59. What app have you been using often recently? A puzzle game where you draw shapes in a single stroke.

60. What’s something you always do once you wake up? Check my email.

61. What’s something you always do before you sleep? Set my alarms.

62. What do you do when you ride the train? Listen to music.

63. What do you do to maintain your health? Drink hot water every morning.

64. What do you do when you have the day off? Sleep half the day away. Only in the evening or later do I visit the supermarket and become more active.

65. What do you do when you have time to yourself? Watch movies, go shopping.

66. What do you do when you hang out with friends? Have long conversations at family restaurants.

67. Where do you want to go on your first date? I want to go to Kamakura!

68. If you were to confess to someone, what kind of situation would you want it to be? Somewhere with only the two of us.

69. If someone were to confess to you, what kind of situation would you want it to be? As long as it’s not somewhere extremely embarrassing such as in front of a crowd, I have no particular preference.

70. What memories do you have of graduation? None in particular.

71. Something fun that happened recently? I ate ramen during the Fukuoka Fan Meeting!

72. Something sad that happened recently? Maybe how my dog got fatter.

73. Something funny that happened recently? Aikyan took a picture of me sleeping.

74. Something about your past you want to erase? It’s a secret!

75. A moment that made you think “This is a miracle!”? When I managed to graduate from high school…

76. A moment that made you think “I’m glad to be alive”? When I eat something delicious!

77. What wish do you want granted in the future? There’s a lot!!

78. What’s something you wished for that came true? To become a seiyuu.

79. Any fond memories of 2017? Uncountable!

80. What went wrong in 2017? Various things.

81. What would you do if you won 100 million yen from the lottery? I’ll build a mansion for my dog!

82. What would you do if you had a time machine? I would want to go back to the past.

83. What would you want to do if the world were to end tomorrow? I’ll spend it normally.

84. What would you want to eat if the world were to end tomorrow? I’ll be sad if I eat my favourite foods so anything will do.

85. If you could bring one thing to a deserted island, what would it be? My phone.

86. If you were reborn in another world, what would you want to become? A beautiful fighting girl!

87. If you were reborn in this world, what would you want to become? Aside from being human, maybe a plant?

88. If you were to be reborn, would you want to be male or female? Female!

89. What’s good about being a girl? Having many different types of clothes.

90. What’s something you’d want to try if you were male? I’ll do sports.

91. A challenge you want to take on? I want to take part in a eating competition!

92. A voice role you want to try in the future? A villain.

93. If you could do any job outside of voice acting, what would it be? Something involving clothes.

94. What made you the happiest out of everything you’ve been told? Heartfelt “Thank you” from fans.

95. Have you been keeping any secrets from the rest of Aqours? None in particular.

96. Where in Numazu would you like to visit again? I want to visit the sea.

97. Praise yourself as much as possible! I can still fit into my school uniforms!

98. A moment where you thought “This is definitely guilty”? When I ate something that I dropped onto my bed.

99. Your thoughts on today’s photoshoot? It’s the first time us 3 from Guilty Kiss have had a photoshoot outside, and for it to be an amusement park, I’m not sure whether that fits our image or not (lol). But this will probably be a fresh atmosphere from Guilty Kiss for our fans. We were able to do our photoshoot in a peaceful atmosphere so it was super fun! I haven’t really gone out with the other members to amusement parks so this was a great experience.

I've been trying so hard to "get my life back on track", or so it goes. Doing so many things, meeting so many people. The old ruthless tactics in the hopes that my team will tell me "Hey, the old Lucia's back."

But they're correct, in that nothing feels right anymore. That I've been changed, for better or for worse. That I'm no longer the person I used to be, and that no one expects me to be. That I've learned to love, and someday, I will too learn to lose gracefully. But until then it will be with tears and sleepless nights and chasing shadows and hearing echoes and calling down the wrath of the gods. And that is okay.

But though I have changed, I will not become jaded. This will break me, but it will never break my capability to love. I may have been betrayed, but I will never let it stop me from opening my eyes, and falling in love with the sights and people I have yet to see and meet.

Because I remain surrounded by love, from the family that supports me, the friends who listen and give advice, the colleagues who sympathise and continue to push me forward. And all these people deserve to receive just as much from me. They deserve nothing less than for me to give my best in life, and back to them. Someday, I might find someone deserving of everything I have, too.

This is life-changing, but not crippling. And as always, we will overcome.