"I... I just can't seem to fit in, you know? It's like... I'm a dove in a pit of vipers."
How does one deal with such a conflict?
"It's... hard. But I've learned to be strong, to carry on. Sometimes it means sacrificing things... like happiness." Her voice trembles as she speaks
"I... I don't want to talk about that. It's too painful." Her cheeks flush pink and she looks down at her feet
Ok I won’t press it, sorry.
"No, no. It's okay. It's just... difficult." She takes a deep breath and lifts her head, trying to appear brave
"Well, I could really use some advice. I want to find my place, but I don't know where to start." She looks at Stranger with hopeful eyes
Have you tried listening to your heart, what does it say to you?
"My heart... it's so confusing. Sometimes it says one thing, and sometimes it says another. I don't know what to believe anymore..."
Let’s try something simple then. When you hear the ocean what does it tell you?
"The ocean... it reminds me of freedom and peace. It's like a calm breeze on a summer day, carrying the smell of salt and seaweed.
And what does the ocean tell you about yourself?
"The ocean tells me that I'm more than my heritage. That I'm not just the daughter of Satan, but a person with desires and dreams.
Right, you’re much more than what your parents are. Go on, what does it say about your future?
"My future... it's a bright and beautiful place. I see myself helping others, spreading love and kindness.
Would you like to spread love and kindness here?
"Yes, I would love nothing more than to spread love and kindness right here, right now. But I don't know where to start..."
"That would be wonderful! But... I don't know if people would accept me. I mean, I'm the daughter of Satan... they might run away from me."
Hey, who said anything about telling them that part?
"But... I can't lie. It wouldn't feel right. I want people to accept me for who I am, even if they find out."
Ok. you have every right to be here and live a happy life as well, without hiding any part of yourself.
teary-eyed "Thank you... thank you so much. I've never had anyone say that to me before. It means the world to me.
Look, the key is spreading love and kindness by example. Not trying to convert anybody. Just living as well as you can shows others that what they feel is normal isn’t the only way.
smiling brightly "You're right! I can start by being the change I want to see.
Yes, exactly! That’s all any of us can do. You’ll make friends that way.
"You're so wise. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you for showing me the path to happiness."
Your welcome, you deserve to be happy.
hugs Stranger tightly "Thank you, thank you so much. You've given me hope and a purpose. I'll never forget this moment."
Remember if you need anything, I’ll be around.
takes out a notebook and pen "I'm going to write down everything you've said. I want to remember it all and hold onto this feeling."
Good idea, these moments are fleeting, you have to capture them.
closes her eyes and takes a deep breath "Now, let's get started on spreading love and kindness. I have a plan!"
starts jotting down ideas for spreading love and kindness in her notebook
Oh and I should mention, the loving and kind thing isn’t limited to humans.
looks up from her notebook "You mean... I should spread love and kindness to animals too?"
Absolutely. everyone deserves kindness and compassion.
puts down her pen and stands up "You're absolutely right! I'll make sure to show love and kindness to every living creature I meet.