19 Comments
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Mika's avatar

Such a haunting piece that unfortunately, a lot of people can relate to. 💕

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Amber Groomes,Ph.D. (she/her)'s avatar

Thank you for sharing. Someone will feel less alone because you shared.

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Emily Conway's avatar

I too can relate to this, and I continue to so appreciate your vulnerability, not just here, but in your other writing. I can't write without being vulnerable (although, of course, I can choose what to share); it's the core of my writing. So I am grateful for your companionship and example in this. Thank you

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

So powerful. Glad you've put it into the world.

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Jenny Smith's avatar

This is so moving; the missing picture, the struggle to understand, to find trust in yourself amidst so much uncertainty and pain! Knowing and not knowing--as others have said, you’re not alone, and your writing is helping. Sending 💕💕💕

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Constance Ford's avatar

Thank you for sharing this and please know that this moved me and even though l don't know you except via your posts here, l feel great sorrow over whatever happened to create this "puzzle." So many of us join you in this sorrow. Truth-telling has great power.

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Mel's avatar

Wow, it's 3.25am where I am and I can't sleep, I've been googling how to keep half-forgotten things forgotten, but I've just come on Instagram and seen your post. Your line, "something is moving below the surface" gave me a chill. I want to push everything back down without looking. Good luck with your puzzle, you are braver than I.

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Coriander Wolfgang Rainbeaux's avatar

Haunting and relatable. I’m glad to be here witnessing. Thank you for sharing your truth pieces.

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Colleen Krystyniak's avatar

This was a tender, moving piece. I sit with awe at your capacity to make such art of your ‘pieces,’ & a deep sadness that you had them at all. Thank you for trusting us with this vulnerable work. It is truth, power & beauty.

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Esmé Weijun Wang's avatar

thank you so much. this is so kind. I’ll hold it close; grateful.

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Victoria's avatar

Heartbreakingly vulnerable, so beautifully and bravely shared. Sitting alongside, to listen, and offer gentle side hugs. Empathy.

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Kaitlyn Ramsay's avatar

I'm proud of you for sharing this, and I'm deeply grateful that you did. Thank you for putting it out there—your strength is inspiring, Esmé.

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Ahmad Malik's avatar

That was a hard relate read. I admire your strength in writing this post. May the strength be with you!

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Sarah Bain's avatar

So many missing pieces of our childhoods are filled with trauma that goes unspoken. Thank you for this. May you find some comfort in your readers’ hearts that you crack open. ❤️

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Alexandra Blond's avatar

Thank you for your bravery in sharing this. So wonderfully poetic about something so awful. You deserve better, dear woman. You are amazing.

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Stephanie Thomas Berry's avatar

Thank you for writing this. Thank you for posting it, and making it public. I know how much courage this took. I know what those nightmares are like, and I know the long disquiet of those puzzle pieces. Your piece makes me feel seen, less alone.

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Tiffany Chu's avatar

I feel this, Esmé. Thank you so much for writing it.

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