On my first lonely night in a new city, I boiled water for tea and sank into my couch. Grief over leaving home settled like a fog. My hands found the plushie with the floppy scarf on my coffee table. Holding her felt like a quiet hug, enough to remind me that I was allowed…

Two months, twenty applications, zero replies. Each “no” felt heavier than the last. One drizzly afternoon, I clipped the dad character to my bag, stared at his determined eyes, and thought, “What’s one more try?” That night I rewrote my cover letter with fresh energy and three days later, an interview invite came through. I…

After a rough breakup, I felt empty, like a bell pepper with the top cut out. Friends tried to cheer me up, but talking was too hard. I reached for my soft orange keychain, squeezed it and let tears fall. In that unjudged moment, I felt a spark: tears could wash out pain and leave…

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…

I was six pages deep into notes, heart pounding so loudly I could barely think. Finals week had me convinced I’d freeze on the first question. Then I remembered the little green dinosaur peeking from my pocket. I pressed his soft belly. In that instant, my shoulders relaxed, my breath steadied and I realised I…