I remember you. You had fire in your eyes and sparkle in your name. A princess and a warrior – you sat on your own throne, unafraid to defend your kingdom. Shame and self-loathing were strangers to you.

You danced your way through life, fearless and entirely self-assured. Obstacles were never seen as barriers – they were mountains meant to be explored. After all, the best views come from the highest branches. You felt you belonged there – balancing high up in the sky – and you knew with total certainty…you would not fall.

You knew what it was to be anxious, and sometimes your feelings were devastatingly sad. But your feelings made you strong. You were kind, sometimes bossy, and always singing about what was in your heart. You lived your life with a dramatic flair that gave merit to the glitter in your name. You were invincible.

Then, you met me. You tried so hard to keep us together, but the weight of my pain dulled the fire in your eyes. I bound your free spirit with chains of self-doubt. In a world that could be so judgmental and cold, I couldn’t stand to look at your light. So I turned my back on you, and let the darkness swallow us both.

I’m sorry I left you in the dark. You were always afraid of the dark.

Over time, I forgot your face. I buried you so deep, it was almost as if you’d never existed. Yet through every storm, I could sometimes feel you with me. A secret northern star – nameless and neglected, but still guiding me forward.

I could not see you, but your warmth filled the parts of me that were hollow. Your confidence was my armor. You marveled at the sunrise, even as I struggled to get out of bed. Your glorious imagination brought me peace in my dreams, and your bravery carried me through depths of despair.

I remember you, curly girl. We are not the same, you and I, but we are sisters. Two sides to the same coin – one shiny and glittering, the other tarnished and weathered. But I am here to tell you that there is beauty in my discolor; a patina of stories that make up my life. I am not invincible, but I am resilient.  

After all these years, I’m still learning how to trust myself the way that I once trusted you, and you’re still learning how to live with me. But, I’m here. I’m listening. You’ve spent far too long in the shadows. When you’re finally ready to step into the light, I promise that I will welcome you home.

With love in all ways, always,

A victim of time