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Asian American Creative Nonfiction Fiction

ο»ΏThe white-faced emerged from the docks of the ever-flowing ocean, anchoring as their boots; wet from the splashing sea beyond the enormous skyline, attracting powered sand on their heels as they made their way towards us. Smiling faces, beautiful, attractive blue hues lighting their restful eyes.

Their hushed breathing made my parents edge closer to inspect them further. I remained immobile, clutching my old doll against my chest, backing away until I bumped into my grandpa. His dark brows were furrowed in skepticism, his hands joined behind his back, his dull black eyes met my lively one as he held me near his torso until my parents had information about the new comers


Days drifted, I began to lose fear in the white-faced. They didn’t say very much, keeping to themselves and immediate family members. Using business as a way to communicate with my people, yet only the educated had ideas on what they spoke. Their language varied from ours, but as months passed I began to recognize a few words.Β 

I hadn’t gone to school, in our country girls cannot be educated. I thought it was unfair, but I continued to beg my grandpa to teach me everything he knew.Β 

He did.

β€œYou will be a good woman one day, Maya,” He said with his doe-like eyes.

I promised him, saying I’d help my country the best of my ability, because to me that was priority.


Years later,

I had been very innocent, too naive to connect the dots sooner. The white-faced hadn’t come to India to β€˜just trade’ but planned to conquer my country.

My people.

Everything.

It started with meddling in our political affairs, sneaking in money to my people who agreed out of greed to get their work done quicker.

I couldn’t tolerate it, seeing my world being destroyed. Them taking charge, recklessly killing the innocent and appreciating the culprits.

It was like they had stabbed behind our backs while we blind folded thoughts of them as allies, as neighbors, as friends and family even when our bloods were different.

My country welcomed them with open arms, while they had beheaded and punished many in return.

Every day I would take a stroll towards the nearby temple. Seeing widowed women wail, children sitting in gloom, unable to venture outside and play in fright they will be caught. Men in distress over what will happen next.

Β I’d had enough.

I will avenge every tear shed, every blood poured and every life squeezed out.

I’d promised my grandfather, and I will honor his words. He died for this country, for his people, for his family, for me.

And I won’t let his sacrifice go in vain.

* * * * *Β 


β€œMy people...” With hands trembled, sweat sliding down my neck from the sun shining from the cloudless sky I stood dumbstruck on the podium amongst millions of people staring with mouths open. I began to lose courage.

What if they laugh?

What if I can’t talk?

What if…

Stop.

I will do this.

For everyone.

For grandpa.

And myself.

For a second I rethought my action, were they going to listen to a young woman? An uneducated woman?Β 

No, I was their only hope. Their only voice in this mission and I cannot back down.Β 

My grandfather's words echoing in my mind, I felt a slight breeze and a sudden change in the humid climate. It was as if this was the spotlight, my chance to redeem myself.Β 

I spoke, never stopping for questions or mockery, never noticing my crowds reaction as my voice carried over the wind. My grandfather’s voice was like honey in my ears, always filling in when I stumbled to get the point across.

β€œDon’t let your fears contain you, raise your voice to the challenge.”

Men mumbled amongst them while women nodded slightly, shielding their eyes from the raging sun.

β€œOur country needs us, our future generations need us, and we… we have to save them,” My breath wheezing a little, my legs aching from standing.

β€œPlease…” I whispered, my eyes downcast as I started to step down the podium.

β€œShe’s right,” I whipped my head around, seeing a young girl ball her fists in the air, β€œWho’s with me?”

A smile creeped up my tear streaked face as my audience clapped, some patting my back for my courage while others shaking my hand in acknowledgement.

My plan was in action, I’d revived our spirits back.Β 


The moon glistened against the serene bay, it’s reflection rippling as I threw a stone playfully. With my hands joined in a prayer pose I flickered my eyes back to the inky sky, the stars illuminating with flashing glows. I could picture my parents looking down at me, my grandpa smiling at me from a better place.Β 

They have given their life to protecting our heritage, now it’s my turn.

And I was willing to take the outcome, however so it may turn out.


Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β * * *Β 

A year later,

The white-faced smirked, a pistol in hand, as he cornered me. I gasped, wincing with the pain jabbing my right knee. Blood gushing out, my clothes stained with crimson, my hands weak from an unmatched fight, I struggled to get up as he pushed me down again in an attempt to convince me to give up.

β€œI… I will never let you… win,” I rasped out, as my bone crunched underneath his massive, strong foot.

β€œYou sure?” His voice sounding foreigh, I’d began to understand them more and more as their dominance intensified.

β€œMy… country is…” I took a stinging breath, β€œMore important.”

β€œSo you’ll die then?” He mocked, his gun aiming at me.

I nodded, awaiting to leave for a place I’d be free.

From sickness.

From pain.

From my country and people who depended on me to show them a path.

I was ready to sacrifice for them.

For the place that held me.

For the place I grew up.

For my mother land.

The last thing I saw before closing my eyes permanently was my grandfather, smiling as ever. His arms outstretched, as he enveloped me into a hug.


I looked back at my homeland, seeing people cheer and exchange smiles for their freedom from the British rule. My heart pounded with joy that I’d been part of all this.

After all, my first word I learned in this foreign language was…

Hope.


Hi everyone! This is my shortest story yet and also I decided a different approach. Do let me know if u like it! And suggestions are always welcome:)

So this story has a interior message which is...

Be proud of who you are.

Never, ever give that up.

We are all people, no matter color, religion or gender.

We need to work together, come as one.

Anyway thank you all so much(especially my friends/followers) for reading and supporting my stories!!!

This story is dedicated to....

Maya Emerson for always supporting me and being such a sunshine!!!!!

TY!!!!

February 07, 2021 21:01

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244 comments

Kate Reynolds
17:23 Feb 14, 2021

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you find someone who will treat you like the Goddess you are (unless you already have)!!!!!!!!

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Happy Valentines day kate!!!! <333 Aww, TY!!! LOL(not yet:) hopefully u tooo!

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Kate Reynolds
02:30 Feb 15, 2021

Thanksss!!! Nppp XD same though Aw thank youuuuu Also I left some notes on your novel!! IT WAS SO AMAZINGGGGGG

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Kate Reynolds
20:45 Feb 15, 2021

NPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Nainika Gupta
22:39 Feb 13, 2021

Hi Varsha! (for my reedsy-cast) I LOVE the name Elena, but I want a little more 'elfish' is Ellania ok?

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Nainika Gupta
23:50 Feb 13, 2021

yay!! :) she's gonna be GREAT

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Kate Reynolds
03:32 Feb 13, 2021

NEW STORY

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Coco Longstaff
22:49 Feb 10, 2021

Hey Varsha! Happy Birthdayyyy!! I wish you have a nice day today. PS did you read my newest story? Again, happy birthday!

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19:21 Feb 09, 2021

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VARSHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—πŸŽ‚πŸ°πŸŽπŸ€—

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20:08 Feb 09, 2021

:DDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Nainika Gupta
16:45 Feb 09, 2021

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VARSHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA <3333333333333333

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Nainika Gupta
01:19 Feb 12, 2021

<333 also, if you would like to be in my reedsycast...(elves) there's a form on my bio!! :D

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14:35 Feb 09, 2021

Just wanted to say, Happy birthday!!!!1

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00:51 Feb 09, 2021

HAPPY BIRTHDAYYYYY VARSHAA! HOPE YOU HAVE/HAD A BRILLIANT DAY! :D πŸ₯³ πŸ₯³ πŸ₯³ πŸ₯³ πŸ₯³ πŸ₯³ πŸ₯³ πŸ₯³

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Aww, thank you Zoe!!!!!!!!!!!! It's been a while since we've talked, how are u?

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21:42 Feb 11, 2021

Good thanks, you? I haven't been writing much because I'm doing a production at the moment but i'll be writing after ahaha. Eeeee anyway. :D

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Maya -
17:52 Feb 08, 2021

We're playing Skribble again at 3:30 EST, and if you want to join the link will be at the bottom of my bio. :)))

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Maya -
16:21 Feb 08, 2021

Happy early birthday, Varsha!!! :))) <3

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Maya -
16:34 Feb 08, 2021

:DDD <333 πŸŽ‚

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Maya -
16:55 Feb 08, 2021

Have you seen his bio? It explains things.

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Lilliane Wei
21:14 Feb 07, 2021

Hi, Varsha. I think this was such an emotional story, played out beautifully and precisely. You did a great job portraying Maya's courage, fear, and dedication, I applaud you, amazing job! -Lillian

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Hey Varsha! I really like the entire plot and outline of this story! One suggestion I would have is make the Author's Note (basically the last part of your story) in italics, because people can get confused. ;)

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Hi Hari! Thank you so much!!! Oh yesh, will do that, thanks!!!

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Akshaya ✨
15:08 Mar 03, 2021

Hi Varsha! I loved this story, and the message it conveyed! It was so touching, and it had such a deep meaning to it! I really liked your new way of approach, you should definitely write more stories like this, because they are just so powerful! Keep it up!! :))

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Hi Akshaya!!! Thank you!!! This was a new method I took so I'm glad u enjoyed it!!! Waiting to read urs soon!!!

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Akshaya ✨
16:06 Mar 03, 2021

Welcome!! Yea it was really nice! Thank you! :)))

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Jasey Lovegood
01:50 Feb 13, 2021

Hey, Varsha! Since it's almost Feb 14th for the upvoting, I was wondering if u could upvote me and some other people, who recently got downvoted. You don't have to if you don't want to ofc, bc this sounds so desperate (ugh, I hate I have to write this), and I can totally do the same for you. Thank you!

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Maya -
04:36 Feb 11, 2021

Reedsy-cast out! :D

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Maya -
19:47 Feb 10, 2021

If you would like to play at 3:30 EST I'm going to put the link in my bio (at the bottom XD) :)

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Hey maya, sorry i didn't see ur message, maybe someother day. how are u?

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Maya -
22:01 Feb 10, 2021

That's totally fine! Sure! I'm great! You? :)))

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Maya -
01:30 Feb 11, 2021

That's good! I'm working on my reedsy-cast right now. :)

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Maya -
14:00 Feb 09, 2021

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VARSHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <33333333333333333333333 πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽˆπŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰πŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽŠπŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽ€πŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽπŸŽ

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OMG!!!! Thank you Maya!!!! x 10000000 Ur the best friend I could ever ask for:DD

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Maya -
16:31 Feb 09, 2021

Of course, Varsha!!! :DDD You're so amazing!!! <3333

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Awwww, thank you!!!!!!!! U don't know how much this means to me<33

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Maya -
17:11 Feb 09, 2021

It's true, I'm so glad I got the chance to get to know you on Reedsy. <333 A question for my Reedsy cast, you said you want to be in the Artist Guild so which type of art would you like to do? Like painting, sketching, sculpting, singing, playing an instrument, etc.

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IK!!! Same<33 Hmm,I prefer painting or playing instrument or BOTH!

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Danny -
00:12 Feb 08, 2021

Hi Varsha, how are you? :DD Great story, I loved all the tiny details you've included... The part about how women weren't supposed to be educated and stuff..... But she decides to be part of the war anyway, I love the idea of having a heroine in the story... Everything was well executed, Great job! Also, I read Kate's story, happy advanced birthday! Also, also..... πŸͺ

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Hi Danny! I'm good, how are you? Aww, thank you so much. I'm glad you liked it! Thank you for your wish!!!! Yay, thanks!!!

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Danny -
02:00 Feb 08, 2021

I'm great :)) No problem, I loooooved your story... It was amazing :DD

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:), aww, ur the best!!! I added u in my friend group in my bio!!!

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Danny -
02:12 Feb 08, 2021

Aww, thank youu :))) what? no, ur the best! :D

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NP!!! aww, we're debating over whos the best LOL!!! (its u)!!!

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Kate Reynolds
23:13 Feb 07, 2021

Oh my God... THIS STORY WAS SO SAD AND YET SO INSPIRATIONAL And YESSS I LOVED YOUR MESSAGE!!!!!!!!! I did find one small grammatical error though: My plan was in action, I’d revived our sprites back. I think it should be "spirits" instead of "sprites" But I LOVED ITTTTT GIRL HOW ARE YOU THIS GOOD AT WRITING????????? And that ending... BROKE MY HEART (in a good way, of course)

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Awwww, Thank you so much Kate!!!!!!!!!! Oh, yeah good eye, i will change that. Aww, its because I have so much amazing friends(like u)!!! Ur just as talented kate:) I'm glad u enjoyed it!

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Kate Reynolds
01:55 Feb 08, 2021

Ofcccc!!!!! Awwww THAT'S SO SWEETTTTTTT <333333 Thank youuuuuu :DD How could I not???

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Kate Reynolds
01:57 Feb 08, 2021

:DDDDD

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Maya -
22:08 Feb 07, 2021

This was so spectacular, Varsha! :D Your message and the character's emotions were portrayed beautifully throughout the story! Her determination to save her country and make her grandfather proud was shown perfectly, and the ending really illustrated her loyalty to her people despite how sad it was. :((( The beginning really started out the story nicely how you showed them slowly starting to take over. Also, I loved how she referred to them as the white-faced, that was a great detail to add in. :))) I loved the story!!! :D <3 Thank you so m...

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Hi maya!!! Aww, thank you so much!!! I'm really glad it wasn't super short or boring. Thank you again and of course!!! I had to include u for being such a sweet, bff!!! Aww, thank you, ur words mean so much to me<333!!! (love ur name BTW)!!!

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Maya -
22:45 Feb 07, 2021

It wasn't boring at all and the length was fitting! :) Aww, thanks!!! <33333333 (Lol thanks :)))

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Maya -
02:06 Feb 08, 2021

:DDDDDDDDDD <33333333333

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