I placed my candle among hundreds of others that night, secretly whispered my prayers to the universe.

Even if God does or does not exist,

I wished that the sky above, the soil I stepped on, the air that I breathed would conspire…

…to fill my days with happiness

…to protect my heart so it does not hurt any longer

…put on a shield, make me even tougher, do whatever

…just save me from the bad things in life.

And let this heart of mine only understands two things,

to love sincerely and to cherish everything in life.

By then, I wouldn’t have room for hatred nor would I bother to let hurtful things eat my heart out.

I only have one heart to give,

and I do not know any other way,

other than to love them all the best I can.