02/08/2026
𝓤𝓷.𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓷.𝓓𝓮𝓷 Letters: 001
Hi, Psychmates!
Good day.
I am taking a moment to write my story—not for pity, not to be heard, and certainly not for guidance; but rather being thankful to these people.
If I could return to one moment in my life where someone's kindness became the light I desperately needed, I would go back to the years when my childhood was robbed from me—pandemic era—isolation, loneliness, social media as coping mechanism, and the like.
There was a time when I no longer saw a future for myself. The pain had become so overwhelming that I believed the world would be better without me. I was surviving, yet I wasn't living.
Then came two people—my Mobile Legends (ML) trio.
They may never fully realize what they did for me, but they became the reason I kept choosing another day. Every morning, every afternoon, every night, they checked on me. They would ask me if I am alright. They reminded me to eat when I chose not to. They stayed with me when my mind became my greatest enemy. They listened to my rants through ML’ voice chat. And most importantly, they reminded me, over and over again, that my life was worth fighting for—that I should never end it.
One of them also offered an alternative solution for my problem: not to escape reality, but to face it—pack up my things, and leave Davao De Oro, offering me a place to stay at Bay, Laguna, and was approved by his parents. Mind you, I was 11 at this point and he is 12, while the other one is 13.
Their kindness was never loud or dramatic. It was consistent. It was patient. Above all, it was present.
Looking back now, I realize that healing does not always begin with grand gestures. Sometimes, your seemingly normal message could mean everything for someone else. Asking me that normal questions was a reminder that someone is waiting for my response, or someone is refusing to leave my side even though I have given up on myself.
Because of them, I am still here—here in this cruel and messed up world, a more resilient individual, and a kinder version of me, with one objective: change the justice system—and by this goal, I am choosing to be selfless.
Also without them, I could not have become a sub-15 speedcuber—a puzzle player, a puzzle piece I once thought made only for geniuses. Because of them, I am now a Psychology student, hoping one day to become someone who can offer others the justice they deserved and the hope that was once given to me. More than my achievements, they gave me back the chance to become the person I am today.
I could not wait for the time that I could be capable to return this favor—and it is the sole reason why I choose to become kinder and understanding.
People often say kindness changes lives. But, mine is a testament that it can also save one.
To Jerson and Eris Lara: I love you both! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have a future I almost never had—I am forever grateful for it.
What's your story? Send it to [email protected]
Illustration | Sam Nujapa
