Letters to Valentine

                 It was dark, I can't feel my legs, I guess my whole body's been frozen, it was so cold and everyone's walking in front of me. Running my eyes, the length of spotless street and seeing everybody freshly, some were couples, having a dizzying array of textures and moments, some were kids having cloud nine on their faces, holding gifts they thought was from Santa, Others? Just like me, sitting tight on a cold night, wasn't waiting for anyone but I settled things, I won't be coming home. Being alone never surprises me and so as death. Being named Valentine, was a big joke of my entire life, there's no one coming here for me but that was what I've thought, all of sudden, emerging from the mist—

"Hey, hi can I sit with you?", out of the shadows an old bearded man came, and asks me. I startled, how can I ever respond to him? I can't even talk to people, I've been introverted my whole life and no wonder I don't have any friends so I just nodded at him, just like that. Slowly, feeling almost furtive about it, he turned his head facing on me. "Oh sorry by the way I'm Lee, it's okay if you don't talk, I'm just here to sit off my very bad day, looking for someone to share my thoughts." he said, while his smile turned brittle. I pondered quietly to myself as he started to tell me his story which I never expected to hear from him. I feel so bad and yet I'm feeling so well; he ran his finger through his hair and I could not keep my eyes away from his teary eyes. I never thought that I would speak but then, "Anxiety is like having a car come out of nowhere and nearly swipe you as you cross the road." Those words came out of my mouth. He chuckled, "They said, I made my own bed, now I should lie on it. I don't even know why they've said that, I never wanted to be loved nor hated by anyone." I looked deep into him as if to search his whole system. "God is a good parent and wants his children to grow. He sometimes uses suffering to discipline us for our benefit, accordingly to book of Hebrew. So breathe, let go and remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure" First it was doubt groping for truth, then amazement, and finally agonized incredulity passed across his face. He laughed softly, "We just met by chance, you're not a friend of mine but you are critical of my weaknesses and ready to counsel." For a minute it made me jump for joy. "I just wondered we never happen to be like this, trying to keep atmosphere lighter." For one brief moment I was terrified.

"Things like this, I hope you were as talkative as you are five minutes ago" Why he sounded like someone knew me. It was breath taking when he suddenly says "Val, you're a sympathetic one who has the patience to lend your ears to my woes, you were in my gloom of despondency." My eyes widened at him, rumbling something deep on my throat. I was gasping for air as he kept up a steady pace, never turning around, he fades away like dust in misty night. "Please don't go!" I was yelling and tells my brain it's time to wake up. Now that he's gone I can see it was anger and bitterness; but at the same time, there was something almost sad about it. I faced the mirror and saw myself, I was about to cry the blues, but then beside his bed it was our picture together, then feelings grew as I recalled all of our memories together, the times he was in the ugliness of torture, helpless, when everyone smashes against him as rocks, the torments of life were always there but I wished my presence as his sister was present too. These deepest depths, the darkest nights, there was magic in the air, I recovered and discovered something that nourishes my soul and brings joy, care enough about myself because behind that picture, it was his handwriting says "Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." God used my brother as instrument as He calms my raging sea and the storm in me.