A War You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Map showing Moldova, the Transnistria region (in red),

and Odessa to the south along the Black Sea.

      Picture this: It’s 1992. You’re 8 years old, living in a Soviet apartment building in Tiraspol, Moldova, and you keep having to be ushered to the basement every time things get a little too “boom” outside.

      Most Americans have never heard of The War of Transnistria, and honestly, I didn’t know it had a name until years later. Back then, it was just... spring.

The Whisper of Becoming

      Lately, a single phrase keeps following me.

     “You’re becoming.”

      I keep seeing it everywhere.
      Like a quiet little whisper following me around.
      Soft. Subtle. Persistent.

Coffee With My Younger Self

      I met my younger self for coffee this morning.

      She showed up full of conviction, so sure of who she was supposed to be.
      Hopeful. Certain.
      Soft and kind, unaware of what was coming.