If slowing down the metabolism of each individual cell were possible, he would do it. But instead, the relentless heat of a summer sun opens him up to his deepest desires. By no means is it ever what we want, but rather what we have to endure—much like emotional growth, which prospers in the realm of loneliness and separation.

Think of geodes, or minerals in general. Just as peace follows war and war follows peace, we take our emotions for granted, never curiously peeking into their individual (or collective) place of birth.

In the same way that ice deteriorates perspective and a wall muffles sound, our emotions, while growing up, became blurred by the idea of a capitalistic, misogynistic, cruel society. Crime is naturally followed by punishment, and ignorance offers no protection—for we are grown-ups now, and each person’s well-being depends on each individual’s decision to act in terms of togetherness.