That Half-Eaten Chocolate…
It is true that I have shared a portion of my chocolates only with those around whom I never needed a filter. With them, I could simply be myself. We shared carefree moments, filled with madness, laughter, tears, and sometimes just silence. There was belongingness, fights, leg-pulling, and a kind of openness that made even the simplest moments feel alive. Not everything was the same with each person, but the essence of pure friendship was mutual. There was trust, respect, and an unspoken understanding that neither of us had to pretend to be someone else. With Mom, it was a different kind of sweetness. She would be upset if her portion wasn't saved for her. It was never really about craving a treat; it was about that little moment of love, laughter, and craziness we shared. A brief breather from her work and chores, and a little break from study hours for us, gradually built a cushion of comfort whose value we understood only as we grew older. Today, when I look back, I feel fortuna...