“In the temple, my birth was a frugal occasion at best… and I find that most comfortable… I couldn’t demand.. gifts or any other displays if I wished to, but… a heartfelt gesture would not fail to move my heart… To go through this day in the Divine One’s presence alone is.. beyond a generous gift as is, and I dare not ask for any more...”

Redraw of “Death of Hyacinthus” by Nicolas-René Jollain (1769)

Happy birthday to Hyacinth!!! The world’s most miserable religious lesbian made it! This is the first year of their existence in my brain and they’ve singlehandedly been carrying my writing and drawing as the primary subject that whole time:3 obviously I love them dearly despite all the horrors I put them through…

Bonus version with the sketch

“Today is Saint Valentine’s day, the day of celebrating love and affection.”

“I… I’ve heard… it’s on July 6th… in my faith, and… it has no romantic tone.. that is new to me…”

“Well, would you want to celebrate it the local way, or is that not agreeable by you?”

“I… I wouldn’t mind that… actually… I was told about a tradition… if… if I may… offer you a gift..?”

“Oh? Oh my. Of course.”

“I...I love you… Happy Valentine’s Day….”