I doodled a tiny character late one sleepless night, imagining someone who looked like me, quiet, sad, but hopeful. On a whim, I emailed that sketch off as a design idea. Weeks later, I received a photo: they said that they will consider making it real. Knowing my simple drawing might comfort others gave me a deep sense of connection. Sometimes sharing your own story becomes the light someone else needs.

We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why.

I hope that, one day when I see that figure, etched from my own hand, it will be clipped to a backpack or sold in a blind box. My little friend isn’t just mine; she’s out there offering hugs to people I’ll never meet. And that makes my world feel bigger, kinder, and full of promise.