Morning after graduation: pink dress, crown of diamonds, and expectations.
Rituals.
Cereal before milk, skincare before makeup, appearance before identity.
Her phone buzzed: “Send the pics,” he said.
In each photo, a familiar black shadow clung behind her. Cold hands, widened pupils.
Mirror.
“You’ve changed. We’re done.”
She finally understood.
Joanna is a junior in college with a strong interest in writing. She prefers non-fiction over creative writing, enjoying the clarity, structure, and real-world impact that factual storytelling provides.
Love short stories, great job. Keep it up
Estoy muy orgullosa de cada logro en tu vida, siempre seré la primera en orar por vos y en aplaudir tus triunfos.
LOVE YOU DAUGHTER
Gracias mami, love you!
Thanks so much!
“Appearance before identity” that’s powerful. Que talento! I’m proud of you, Joa.
I appreciate your comment, Jefe. Thank you a lot.
I’m sharing my thoughts on “One-Way Flight” here, since I couldn’t find a place to comment on that site. I’m glad that, above all, you returned to the studio—that’s the most important thing. I’m also really struck by the courage it took to let yourself feel the emotions as they arose; sometimes it’s okay not to be okay—it helps us grow. I’ve read that the best decisions don’t always make us feel good at first, but they bring us relief deep down.
I resonate with this story; I saw my past self in it and revisited those same emotions, questions, and fears. Yet, everything passes, and writing about it is one of the best ways to cope—alongside time spent with family and the kind of love that is never demanded, but is always within reach, freely given without expecting anything in return.
Alejandro, thank you so much for such a warm and thoughtful comment on my “One-Way Flight” story. Comments like yours inspire me to continue writing and sharing the mess that’s on my mind. Thank you, as well, for sharing with us about your own testimony. I’m glad you resonated with my work.