Until the World Falls Down

by Jordan Lynde

“You two won’t be able to protect each other from everything, but you can be there for each other. That’s what love is, right? It’s not just about the happy moments—it’s everything that comes between them, too. If you’re scared or hurting, go to Paloma and tell her. Trust her. Don’t do this. Shielding yourself from pain only means you also miss out on the joy.”

“Believe in yourself,” she said. “Believe in the person you want to be, and you will get there. Believe in the strength you have, and it will grow. Believe in your heart, and it will guide you in the right direction.” She paused, looking down at her hands before curling them into fists. “And if there are times when you don’t believe in yourself, that’s okay, too. We are all works in progress.”