​CHAPTER 2: CHILDREN

There was a time when life felt simplest through the eyes of a child. Days stretched endlessly, filled with chalk-dust afternoons, tiny victories, and laughter that spilled into the sun. I remember sitting on cool tile floors building imaginary kingdoms, believing every story had a gentle ending. Children move through the world with honesty and wonder, unafraid to dream out loud. When I look back, I do not only see who I was. I see who I still hope to be — curious, tender, and brave enough to hold onto softness while growing toward the light.