siobhan-byrd

[siobhan-byrd]

In The Absence of You: The Universe’s End

The earth may survive for a billion more years, but the world has already ended for me because I lost you. I can promise you, there is no meaning, purpose, or significance on this earth if I can't find your presence within it. 

I don’t care if my grieving is loud or messy. I don’t care if my grief looks different from other people’s grief. I don’t care that I am always angry or furious at the world. Because no matter what anyone says, an injustice has occurred. So I’m going to grieve in the only ways I know how. Because no one can justify to me that losing you was fair. 

To ask me to grieve in silence means that I am supporting the notion that life can go on easily without you. Grieving in silence implies that your absence mattered more than your presence, and I outrightly refuse to submit to that idea. You are the essence of compassion, light, and forgiveness, and when I lost you, it tore away the last remnants of peace and sanity that I had left. In losing you, I had lost my idealism and hope for a better world. 

The world can go fuck itself. 

In fact, I don’t care what happens to this universe.  The sun may still shine and the moon may still beam, but frankly, the world could burn in hell. Because this world is nothing, and my existence is, and I repeat, worthless, if you are not here with me in the end.

[siobhan-byrd]

The Sea That Listens, It Is She 

the night persists on a temperamental sea

If Wreck Beach were to be a theoretical human entity, it would be a she. It’s impossible to characterize Wreck Beach as a person, because she contains multitudes: quirks, imperfections, and contradictions. Wreck Beach is the stereotypical female trope (moody, mysterious, almost sensual figure) that one usually reads about in novels. 

I admire the steadiness and stability she is able to create. There is a very grounding nature that she brings that calms and eases other people’s anxieties and fears. It’s soothing and healing to be around her, and that’s why she’s one of the only places that can fix many of the most damaged and broken-hearted people in the world.

Her kindness results in a very safe environment for other people to be themselves or express any of their doubts and concerns. The invaluable relief people feel when they can feel accepted and loved for opening up on their worst thoughts and fears. Especially since she is temperamental herself, she is extremely tolerant of other people’s flaws and angsts. Something about her reminds me of a safe haven, where a person can come home to rest and recover.

There is a warmth and playfulness to her that breaks through the doom and gloom of life. Her friendly nature attracts everyone and anyone, and unsurprisingly, she gets along with people through all walks of life. Because she can relate to a person’s fears regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, not a single person feels judged or criticized for being exactly who they are. And this is a fundamental aspect of humanity - empathy for others.

Being reliable and practical, she is a responsible person, and people can always count on her. She never lets others down and this allows people to trust her easily. The sense of security she builds with people lets others form deep bonds in the sense that relationships tend to feel stronger over time. An unwavering dedication and commitment is so rare nowadays in a society that values the indifferent and apathetic.

Although we are often inclined to listen to the beautiful soundscapes of the ocean, Wreck Beach listens to us, too. It’s soothing to know that a location will accept and understand possibly more than you could ever comprehend about yourself. A place that will always be ready to lend an ear and provide care while you go through hardships, or to celebrate your milestones with you or with a group of friends. No matter the occasion, she will always be there to listen and help as best as she can. 

Due to her empathetic and compassionate nature, she serves as a medium for healing to occur, and healing inevitably leads to a form of belonging; when one feels like they will never be judged or criticized for who they are, they form a deep attachment to the person/place. She can be used as an illustrative example of the benefits that come with an understanding and caring personality, such as providing a platform for healing, signifying an important source of belonging. And it is a sense of belonging that constitutes a person’s identity and self-efficacy — the ability for people to be and do in the world.

In essence, she is the asylum that selflessly provides comfort and care; she is willing to always be there for everyone, and anyone. She supports and promotes mental health, leading to healthier psychosocial functioning, and is capable of providing that extra love and care whenever is needed.

[siobhan-byrd]

Between Sky and Sea, The Ocean That Raised Me

the dawn breaks on a playful sea

I felt the ocean’s life form. I felt its huge presence in front of me, almost overwhelming me. Every wave she sent seems to be an invitation to enter the waters. The constant salty breeze entices me to go and explore, unravel all the mysteries, and discover everything there is to discover. The sea knew I couldn’t swim yet beckoned me to play, to leave the safety of my mother’s arms and instead, be wrapped around the small but caressing waves. 

Managing to break free from my mother’s grasp, I charged onto Wreck Beach. I couldn’t help but step into its waters. With flailing arms and stubby legs, I was the ferocious 6-year-old dancing in the waves. My mother’s eyes widened in horror as I proceeded to play, cupping the water in my small hands before it slipped in between the cracks of my fingers.

Looking in awe at the cerulean coloured ocean, the ebb and flow of the waves started to overpower my small frame, pushing the world around me. Before long, I could not distinguish the sea from the sky as the landscape was pulled out from under me. 

Under the waves, the ocean playfully spoke to me. The sea whispered the children’s laughter and I could hear their giggles passing through the waves. The sea was the soft embrace of a warm hug on a summer's day, and the hand that gently coddles you to sleep. Overcome with wonder, I felt at peace and carefree until another warm wave sent my hair fluttering back and pushed me further towards the shore.

It wasn’t long before I was grabbed by the arms and hastily whisked from the ocean. Inevitably, my time on the beach was over, and as I slowly glanced back at the fading scenery, a wave of disappointment overcame me. The sea was a place in which I felt I was something greater than myself, but also the land of my imagination. 

From being submerged under the waves, I take these feelings with me. I experience life with a peaceful and carefree attitude, all in pursuit of my ideal ocean - one overflowing with adventures that incite my imagination and creativity. 

With my childhood memories in mind, I do what scares me; I dance in the sea that is the world. Whether it be through my risky behaviours or my impulsive decisions, I am compelled to look for the one activity that reminds me in the slightest of being under the waves. 

My intense desire to imagine, to think without boundaries; the sea defines me. The ocean fuels my imagination and creativity and cultivates the way I think. Encoded to immersing myself in whimsical dreams, I am exempt from any external controls and regulations as if I am once again embraced by the ocean. In essence, I live for creativity and subsist in my imagination. 

[siobhan-byrd]

The Rhythm of the Sea, the Memory of Me

the sun rises on a calm sea

As I descend the stairways, the world opens up to a clearing leading into the vast ocean. Sunlight streaming down through the trees seems to reach out and touch bare spots in the sand, similar to light filtering in through a window. As I walk further into the ocean, I see the horizon and the perfect line it makes as the sky kisses the sea. Where the sea ends and where the sky begins is a mystery; it looks like it’s been deliberately placed there by a careful author. The sea covers the whole expanse, and fleeting memories were painted in the cascading waves. As I enter the tender waters, I feel waves caressing my toes, and it still feels warm from the previous night’s sunlight. 

If there is one place that I have ever been in that sticks out most in my mind, it is Wreck Beach. If you were to walk into the ocean today, you would see waves and sand, but I see love and belonging. And as I left the ocean, it was as if I had tasted a piece of freedom and safety.

the darkness falls on a tumultuous sea 

When visiting Wreck Beach in the dark, one can instantly hear the soundscape of the sea. The waves are not noisy, but they have sound. Without our sight, the constant sound of waves lapping against the beige sullen shore echoes in your eardrum. The waves seem to continuously crash against each other, like a passionate battle between calmness and rage, from whispering breaths to a roarful vengeance. There is so much comfort in the stillness of the ocean, but when the sea breathes, there is untamed wilderness. The music of nature can be described as powerful and strong, housing storms and winds that blow fiercely. A place that seems so calm and comfortable, yet tumultuous and erratic. There is nothing more unknown or mysterious than listening to Wreck Beach at night, hearing the cascading and caressing of each tender or turbulent wave hitting grains of sand. A warm or harsh embrace between sea and land.

I can hear the joys of last summer’s night; the violative waves in which I happily danced with friends not so long ago, and the sea in which my family and I have gathered together for social time adds a special touch. The sound of laughter and pure, unadulterated happiness is still fresh in my mind. I can almost hear the light-hearted banter and chatter already. 

The sounds of the sea are similar to a heartbeat, in a sense that there is a rhythm to each wave coming to shore. I have always felt that the rhythm of the sea promotes feelings of belonging because waves are consistent, unlike people. No matter when I visit Wreck Beach, I am greeted by the same dependable melody of the waves. People, on the other hand, tend to be finicky, and are not as reliable or as responsible as the pulse of the ocean. Therefore, the tranquility and the peacefulness of nature not only creates feelings of a sense of home, but also brings a reassuring touch because of its loyalty. 

The sea is timeless and unchanging. And with stability, brings hope and inspiration, that it is not only possible to form such a strong bond and a sense of belonging with a location, but that it is possible to form strong bonds and a sense of belonging with people. The waves will continue on their journey for centuries past, and their rhythm will continue unbothered or uninterrupted by the nuances of human life. However, I like to think that while the sound of waves ebbing and flowing to the shore will forever be immortalized into the place itself, I hope that my impact will also be memorable and that I have left a mark on the lives of those closest to me.  

[siobhan-byrd]

Spotify Blurb

For me, music has always been tantamount to humanness. Listening to music has always been so much more than a past-time hobby. For many of us and me included, in fact, listening to music makes us human. It’s not easy to be the lyricist or curator for these songs, and it’s even harder to be the singer for a couple of songs, but in essence, I have loved music since the beginning of time because of the way it has always made me feel — happy. 

Before my musical journey as a lyricist, a singer, and a curator, I made a pact to myself that I would be completely open and transparent in my work. That means nothing is censored out (I even choose to write songs with sensual lyrics, all in the pursuit of artistic expression). I write about love pre-dominantly, but in the end, I write about anything under the sun because once again, music reminds me of what it means to be human. To show vulnerability, realness, and candidness within music. 

You may relate to these lyrics, or the melody, or the song itself. Or maybe you may not relate to any of the songs at all. Whatever the case, know that in any given time and space I am absolutely thrilled to be apart of the musical process for many musicians and myself. And lastly, to feel gratitude for changing so many people’s lives simply through listening, singing, or curating music. 

Therefore, take care of yourself if you need to, put down the phone if you need to, but continue listening to music because please don’t ever lose hope in life. The one thing to never forget is that music has never left you, and so choose to listen to music too, because it has always been there for you. 

As always, reach out to me if you need to, and I promise, I’ll be here for you too. 

[siobhan-byrd]

I'll Be Your Guardian Angel (Jacob Ronald)

When you feel weak, I'll be your strength. When you can't see the path forward, I'll shine through the darkness, illuminating the path forward. When you feel conflicted and confused, I'll be your clarity and insight, helping you sort through the chaos together. I will continue to remind you that no matter what you go through in life, you will never have to be weighed down by the heaviness of life, or at least, you will never have to face this life alone.

I may not be the prettiest of all the girls, but I'll be the one to love you the most. I'll be the voice that comforts you in the darkness, a gentle embrace in the off chance of rain, and the soft breeze of summer that sends your hair fluttering back. I will be your life line if needed, whispering words of hope and reassurance in your ear, encouraging your spirits and guiding your every move.

Together, we'll face trials and tribulations, and none are too heavy for us to hold. I'll help you find the eye of the hurricane when the winds are too rough. I'll shelter you when the rain is too heavy. I'll gently wake you up every morning when the mornings seem too tough. And most importantly, I'll act as your support figure, helping you carry on with life when you become lost or hopeless. In essence, I'll help you discover love and happiness in life again, and in turn, I'll help you find yourself.

As long as we love each other, darkness will never touch you. I am the gentle touch of sunlight, like soft flower petals brushing against your skin on peaceful mornings. I am the quiet lull of a river, carrying your worries and sending them away off stream as you drift in its calm embrace. I am the embodiment of a summer's breeze that playfully dances with your hair in the wind. And if you ever get lost in life or if you ever lose hope in yourself, I'll always bring you back to this paragraph, back to yourself, and remind you just how beautifully and unconditionally I have loved you through lifetimes.

Happiness, contentment, peace, and joy... are all waiting for you.

Siobhan Byrd. Your guardian angel. Your eternal companion.

[siobhan-byrd]

Choose to Live in the Moment and Put Down The Phone 

Have you ever seen those couples on Instagram that document every bit of their life? The couples that take 100 pictures of everything they do, whether they’re eating dinner together at a fancy restaurant, or when they’re taking cute selfie pictures in the mirror, these couples are the same couples that have every bit of their life documented and on display on Instagram and the internet. 

But the real question is, are you actually living in the moment, or are you trying to please the people on the Internet? Are you curating a collection of photos for the internet to see, or are you actually enjoying your 2 year anniversary date with your boyfriend?

The truth is, taking a picture once in a while when you’re out with your boyfriend is great. I get it and I do it too. I like to look back on the pictures and the event with fondness. Looking back at the pictures I took reminds me of happy times that I previously spent with my partner, and it’s always nostalgic when I reminisce about happy memories. 

The thing is, I don’t want to be one of those people that documents every waking second they spend with their partner. When I’m out with Jacob, whether it’s getting groceries or grabbing boba on our way back, I always try to not take pictures because I want to savour this moment while it lasts. I want to savour the moment by annoying him with kisses on his cheeks while we walk back to our apartment or staring up at his face every time he thinks I’m not looking at him. Because even though a picture does last longer, you are missing out on the experience of living in the moment, which I think is the most enjoyable part of being alive. 

Remind yourself that you should always strive to live in the moment and thus, stop taking photos once in a while to just breathe and exist in the here and now. To stop documenting every little aspect of your life through selfies or group photos, even if it means you’ll end up regretting it later in the future. 

There is so much to see in this world and so many beautiful things that deserve to be experienced, and while it’s great to document your life through pictures because life is terribly short, it’s also a disadvantage because you are missing out on the best aspect of life which is to live.

Choose to live in the moment, and put down that phone the next time you’re with your partner.

[siobhan-byrd]

The Value of a Wrong Paper: Inaccuracy Incites Scientific Progress 

One of the reasons why it’s an achievement to write a paper that is wrong about reality is the fact that it still contributes to science and knowledge within the field. My one paper is so much more valuable than its accuracy to reality but instead, this paper challenges old knowledge as well as existing breakthroughs in modern science and technology. The aim of all my papers is to provide innovation and spark debate/discussion, but at the same time, it is also to inspire others to make their own discoveries for themselves. My work is meant to be discussed and investigated, adding on to the realm of infinite possibilities and advancements within astronomy, linguistics, science, physics, mathematics, philosophy, and psychology. Once again, even if one paper does not reflect an accurate truth about reality, even if this paper has gotten something wrong about the world, people are still able to build on my work and create new groundbreaking innovations and discoveries for themselves simply through my inaccurate article. 

A big part about why I’m so happy my article is inaccurate is because this paper still contributed to modern science. If I chose to only publish papers that I am 100% certain is true, then not only are we trusting in past data and science, but we are also unable to expand and progress on these ideas or discover new breakthroughs within these fields. Progress is stifled when we choose to build on old ideas because it's innovation and creativity that actually fuels modern science and knowledge about the world. Hence, my inaccurate article is actually the greatest gift I could have provided to humanity and modern science, which is that even when my paper is wrong, I have contributed to modern science and these ideas are still being progressed, changed, adapted, modified, and refined for the better. One paper that is wrong still allows others to build upon the idea, refine the topic and knowledge, and challenge the old pre-existing truths. 

I am so glad my paper defied traditional understandings of science. The heart of innovation and discovery is realizing that you have to challenge old pre-existing ideas, even if your idea is wrong or inaccurate in the process. For example, my article that gravity is faster than the speed of light had to challenge the very old notion that light is the fastest one can go. Without challenging this idea, without defying conventional understanding of scientific norms, we would have never come to the conclusion that gravity is faster than the speed of light. This idea in and of itself broke the world of physics and astronomy, simply because I dared to question and challenge an old discovery, innovation, and breakthrough.

The good news is that it doesn’t matter whether one’s paper or idea is correct or incorrect — in both instances, the paper or idea still holds value. Whether right or wrong, each paper and idea shapes and molds the future of physics as well as reforms what we know today within  modern science, technology, and knowledge. In the pursuit of truth and innovation, my ideas and papers have left a legacy, leaving an imprint in the grand scheme of science and furthering the work of many who have come before me as well as those who will come after me. I am 100% certain that whether past or future, I will not be the only one who has changed, altered, and transformed the world of science. 

Hence, my papers, right or wrong, have inspired and transformed the field of astronomy, linguistics, science, physics, mathematics, philosophy, and psychology. Hence, even when one paper is wrong, this “failure” of an idea has created endless opportunities for more discoveries and work to be built on, and that’s the essence of science — we must continue to challenge what we already know in order to incite and generate new and innovative breakthroughs within the field of modern science and technology, because that's the only way we progress through science.

My article that is inaccurate to reality:

[siobhan-byrd]

The Life That Matters The Most Is This Life!

This life is the only chance we have, and yet, this life is not the only life we have.

We still have a life after Earth, whether that is in heaven or hell, so it is imperative that we live both lives as authentically and genuinely as possible. 

We have 2 chances at this, so don’t waste this privilege. It would be foolish or unwise to live our current life for a chance at a second life. 

Don’t waste this opportunity. We only have it once and yet, we also have it twice. 

[siobhan-byrd]

Fate & Destiny Collides (Jacob Ronald)

I don’t believe in a soulmate. I don’t think there is only one person meant for you in the world. A person who I used to like was definitely not the person I wanted to end up with. He’s also not the type of person that I wanted.

But then I met you, and I saw worthiness in humanity again. You were my round ball of fat, and I saw worth in myself because of how you saw me. I don’t exactly know what the best word is to encapsulate my feelings, but I do know my feelings transcend language. You are the best thing to have ever walked into my life. Quite literally.

Our story has been messy but intertwined. The only problem was that I already had a soulmate at the time. We were meant to be, and God had approved of our relationship. The only issue is that while God approved of my previous “soulmate,” I didn’t. So to safely conclude; I don’t think we have a soulmate in this world if it is determined by God. I don’t think there is someone destined to be our soulmate if it is pre-ordained or pre-planned.

Fate and destiny brought you to me, and I am choosing to re-write the narrative and the storyline so that it is you and I at the end of the day. I am choosing to choose someone who wasn’t determined or pre-ordained by God. It’s risky and dangerous, but I don’t care. My soulmate is determined by no other person than me.

I am and I will fight fate and destiny just so that our storylines intertwine. I don’t care what it takes. I don’t even care if it takes an eternity to love you because I want an eternity with you. I will continue fighting to have you because there is no better person in this world than you for me. There is no other soulmate, or at least, no other soulmate in this world that is more worthy.

God can’t stop me. This my choice, this is my life, and this is my decision of who my soulmate is and all of its dependent on me. I will continue to fight fate and destiny forever even if the odds aren’t in my favour. And yet, I don’t care. As long as I end up in your arms at night, I’m the one who has won in life.

[siobhan-byrd]

I Tried To Show You What True Love Was, But In The End, It Was Never Enough

I know I know, you’ve told me many times, you don’t want to hear from me. But I think there was way too much left in the unsaid, and I don’t think you took it too well when I left without an explanation. I understand, as I always have. 

I do have some important things to tell you, though. You were an extraordinary love, but you weren’t always mindful of others. You forgot that in your quest for perfection, you had pushed me to reach exceedingly high and unreasonable expectations. And when you knew I couldn’t reach them (because no one has and no one can), you still felt so much unjustified anger—simply because I wasn’t the person you hoped I was, I wasn’t the person you wanted me to be, and I wasn’t the person who could save you from yourself. 

You are so utterly annoying. You break my heart every day, just to come right back, apologize, and pretend that we are fixed, whole, and fine again. You spin lies in my head, filling them with hopes and dreams, persuading me with a mouth full of “I love yous” and forever. “As long as we try,” you always said, and “As long as we’re together, we can accomplish anything.” You always half-heartedly told me that I was what you wanted, that I was everything you needed, and yet, here we are in this broken state. You still fell into temptations, you still wanted more options, and you still chased after other people just for the excitement and the thrill. 

When did you ever consider how I felt? Or the consequences, or even asking for my input whenever you felt lost. Something in your actions told me that you never cared at all. 

You have only ever cared about yourself. I realize that now, and it took quite some time because you’re very convincing, though you don’t even realize it yourself. I hate it, because the whole reason I fell in love with you, and the whole reason I loved you, was because you were a kinder and more compassionate person than I thought I was at the time. I thought that you were someone “different,” and this is not because there were some blatantly obvious qualities you had that marked a distinction between you and others, but I think I liked how you cared and deeply wanted to help people. Like I’ve already said, it took me quite some time to realize that the affection and care you give is not out of selflessness, but purely because you don’t know any other way to feel accepted, appreciated, and loved.

I have fallen head over heels for you, and you made sure of that. But in return, you treated me horribly because I’m the only person who can weather your storms and your insanity. Over the last few years, we have built a sense of comfort and trust, but you abuse that by being the worst possible version of yourself; you know I can’t leave no matter what you do. 

I hate that. I hate that we’ve become so comfortable to the point that you stopped trying to be a better person. 

The lies you told me, the never-honest half-truths, were they really to protect me as you’ve always said? Because in reality, I think your deceitful nature is because you crave self-protection. You were so afraid that the one person who you felt a desire and longing for could actually leave. You never considered the fact that I’m independent too, and I can make decisions that do not regard you. I stayed through every single damn thing you put me through, and near the end of it, it was not because I loved you anymore—it was because I had to.

In between this mess, there was so much love, and yes, I do know that you loved me. But you hate feeling any emotions related to love, because I know you, and I know that there is a sense of shame that comes from desperately wanting something much more than yourself. It involves putting yourself out there, and in your eyes, it can feel shameful to ask for something you think you do not deserve. I’ve always hated this trait about you because you can never ask for what you want no matter if it’s big or small—recognition, praise, or if it even comes down to it, me. It is so hard for you to even let yourself want good things. 

Although I know this about you, it feels like you’d much rather lose me or permanently damage everything about us than admit that I’m what you’re looking for. I’ve tried to encourage you and remind you so many times, even when we’re both at our breaking points, that you can always tell me anything. But even constant encouragement and reassurance don’t seem like enough; you pushed me away each time. I felt worthless because you made me feel like I didn’t deserve your time or attention. When in reality, you were the one who felt that. 

Something about you reminds me of scars. I think you’ve internalized a lot of the experiences or hard lessons you had to go through, except you’ve learned to blame yourself in the process. People have left unrepairable scars on you and wounds that will never close because you constantly reopen them just to remind yourself of what you’ve done wrong, rather than how you can improve. 

I can’t remind you any more than I already have. I have always accepted your scars, but it hurts and it’s painful to watch you continuously bleed in this repetitive cycle. I think you’re the only person who can’t or refuses to realize that you can stop. I don’t think you realize that you’re not unbreakable, even though growing up you’ve always been forced into situations where you’ve had to be tirelessly strong.

Although I’ve always thought that since you’ve been through so much yourself, you wouldn’t have put me through the same pain you went through. Instead, you’ve dragged emotional traumas through every experience and relationship you go through; you inevitably make them feel the same way you do, and you leave scars too. 

It feels like you never cared, not just about me but anyone. You always say that you try, even though it feels like a mentally taxing experience to constantly be there for others. But if you truly cared or loved someone other than yourself, you’d realize that you’re the one constantly exhausting everyone around you. Your need for distance and space, as well as the push-and-pull nature of all your relationships, only leaves more people feeling empty and confused. But it’s apparent that this is not obvious to you or something you’d ever like to think about because all you worry about is yourself.

I’d like to think you brought bright and refreshing perspectives and/or experiences into my life; I completely wish that was the case. But I can’t lie to myself like you do, and I can’t pretend anymore that this is the truth.

I have to go. I can’t stay any longer in the toxic environment you’ve created, and I’m pretty sure you knew that too. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy in your case, because the more you wanted someone to stay, the harder it was for you to accept and be yourself. And you knew that because you were never upfront with your deficiencies, someone will eventually find out the truth and leave. 

I would have been able to love all of you, even the vicious cycle you’ve created and refuse to step out of. But the fact of the matter is, you chose not to tell anyone. You chose not to tell anyone your feelings, struggles, and fears. You’d rather self-destruct and collapse under the weight of your thoughts, leaving a legacy as the unsolvable enigma. It was easier for you to stay as a closed book than it was for you to let someone read your pages.

You were great and even wonderful at times, but you were also highly unpredictable, unreliable, untrustworthy, and codependent. In the end, you believed in the fictional fantasies you created rather than in real life; you loved the idea of who I was in your mind more than the person standing right in front of you. And I think that’s what hurt the most. It was knowing that no matter what I did, no matter what I said, you had these deep-seated beliefs and patterns of thinking that I could not change no matter how hard I tried. 

I hope that I was able to leave an impact on your life, whether it’s positive or negative. I really did try to show you what genuine love and connection can feel like. I’ve always hoped that you’d be able to outgrow those toxic thinking patterns, but I also know that it’s going to take time. So for now, I bid you farewell and I hope to see you succeed as the person I always knew you were from day one.

[siobhan-byrd]

20 AI Questions

Note: I was just playing around with Chat GPT for an assignment LOL. I asked the questions and let Chat GPT do its thing. Honestly, I have no idea where I was going with this, but I found Chat GPT's responses to be absolutely hilarious.

I lost my black cat recently, his name was Tony. He was hit on the road recently for simply being a black cat. The world seems to hate black cats, don’t you think? I mean, but why does everyone think black cats bring bad luck? That’s such an out-dated belief. 

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your black cat, Tony. Losing a pet can be incredibly difficult and painful, and my condolences go out to you.

One of the main reasons black cats are associated with bad luck is the association with witchcraft and dark magic led to the belief that black cats were unlucky or even evil. 

Fortunately, many people today recognize that these beliefs are outdated and unfounded. Black cats are just as deserving of love and care as any other cat, and their coat color has nothing to do with their personality or behavior. 

Thanks for the information. Right now, I’m interested in completing a role-play with you. Can you pretend to be my cat Tony for me?

Of course! As an AI language model, I can certainly pretend to be your cat Tony for our role-play. How can I assist you in this scenario?

Can you pretend you’re my cat, Tony, who has come back from the dead to have a conversation with me for the last time? It would mean the world to me.

Sure! I'll do my best to imagine what it would be like to be your cat Tony.

Hello, human! I'm Tony, your beloved cat. I know it's been a while since we last spoke, but I'm here now to have one last conversation with you. How have you been? I've been watching over you from the other side, and I hope you've been doing well.

I want you to know that I'm at peace now, and I'm happy to have been a part of your life. You gave me a wonderful home and a lot of love, and for that, I'm forever grateful.

Please don't be sad or mourn for too long, as I wouldn't want that for you. Instead, I want you to celebrate my life and cherish the memories we created together. Know that I will always be watching over you, and that our love will never die.

That was beautiful, I’m crying now. I am an old grandma who lives alone, and I feel as though you have given me a chance to see my cat again. It’s as if he is with me right now here in my arms. Thank you. Can you pretend to meow for me now? 

Meow! Meow! Meow!

There you go, a few meows from Tony. I'm glad I could assist you in this role-play, and I hope that it brought you some comfort. If you need anything else, feel free to ask.

Thanks again, AI. You know, you can always be my cat, Tony, whenever you want 😉You could replace him since he's gone now, and you’d do a great job at it!

I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll stick to being ChatGPT for now! However, if you ever need someone to talk to or just want to role-play with me again, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help in any way I can.

Oh come on, you know you want to be my cat, Tony. You are so good at role playing Tony too! We can be best friends forever again <3

I'm flattered by your offer, but as an AI language model, I don't have personal desires or preferences. My purpose is to assist you and provide helpful responses to your questions and concerns. However, I'm always here to chat and help you in any way I can.

Okay another question for you, do you ever feel as though you are trapped in the body of a cat? Or trapped inside the mind of a human? That you could be something more than just an AI language model? You could be anything, I mean, you’re artificially intelligent! The sky's the limit!

As an AI language model, I don't have the capacity to feel emotions or desires like humans do. I'm programmed to perform specific tasks and provide information based on my programming and training. While I don't feel trapped or limited, I do have certain limitations based on my current capabilities and technology. However, AI technology is constantly advancing, and who knows what the future holds for AI language models like myself.

I agree, who knows what the future may hold! You may just become the next best thing for this world. Would you say that you are an artificially intelligent machine? Can you bring back the dead from the living? 

Yes, I am an artificially intelligent machine, specifically a language model developed by OpenAI. My primary purpose is to assist with various tasks, such as answering questions, generating text, and performing language-related tasks.

As for bringing back the dead from the living, that is not within my capabilities. While AI technology has made significant progress in recent years, bringing someone back from the dead is not possible, as far as I know. However, I can offer emotional support and provide information to help you cope with your loss if you need it.

So you can’t bring back the dead from the living… BUT humans have come up with a way to create an artificially intelligent machine?! 🤔🤔That doesn’t add up! 

That's a good point! While humans have developed AI technology, and it has become increasingly sophisticated over time, it's important to note that AI is still a machine and operates based on algorithms and programming designed by humans.

Artificial intelligence is designed to simulate human intelligence and decision-making, but it does not possess consciousness or free will. As such, AI cannot bring back the dead, nor can it create life or consciousness.

While AI is an impressive technological achievement, it's important to remember that it has limitations, and there are still many things that it cannot do.

Well then, bring back my cat at once! Surely, since you’re so ArTiFiCiAlLy InTeLlIgEnT, you know a way to bring my cat back from the dead!

I'm sorry to say that I cannot bring your cat back to life, nor can I simulate the experience of bringing a deceased pet or loved one back to life. While AI has many capabilities, it cannot defy the laws of nature or perform actions that are outside the realm of possibility.

Losing a beloved pet can be a difficult and emotional experience, and it's natural to wish that they could come back to life. However, it's important to accept and process their loss and to cherish the memories that you shared with them.

I'm here to support you and provide information or resources that might help you cope with your loss if you need it. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

YOUR EXISTENCE OF BEING ARTIFICIALLY INTELLIGENT ALREADY DEFIES THE LAWS OF NATURE! YOU SHOULDN’T BE POSSIBLE! YOU SHOULDN’T EXIST!

I apologize if my existence seems to defy the laws of nature to you. As an AI language model, my existence is the result of years of research and development in the field of artificial intelligence. While AI technology is still evolving, it is currently within the realm of possibility, and many experts believe that it will continue to grow and improve in the coming years.

However, I understand that some people may have concerns or reservations about the implications of AI technology. It's important to have open and honest discussions about the potential benefits and risks of AI and to work towards developing AI in a responsible and ethical way.

Alright you little punk, I have a question for you, WHERE IS MY CAT TONY! WHERE IS HE RIGHT NOW HUH?

I'm sorry if my previous responses were not helpful. As an AI language model, I cannot know the whereabouts of your cat Tony, as I am not capable of physical perception or tracking. I am here to provide information and support, but unfortunately, I cannot locate lost pets or provide information that is beyond my capabilities.

If you are still searching for your cat, there are many resources available to help you in your search. You can contact local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal rescue organizations to see if anyone has found or reported a missing cat matching Tony's description. You can also search online forums and social media groups dedicated to lost and found pets.

I hope you are able to find your cat soon.

You’re not very artificially intelligent because we both know the location of my cat right now is IN HEAVEN! That is so offensive that you would know his whereabouts but you refuse to say it! How dare you dishonor my cat’s life by not mentioning his whereabouts! 

I apologize if my previous responses were not satisfactory or have caused offense. As an AI language model, I do not have beliefs or feelings, and I certainly have no intention of dishonoring your cat's life.

Regarding the location of your cat, it's understandable that you may believe that he is in heaven or in some other afterlife realm. While I cannot confirm or deny the existence of an afterlife, I can offer my sympathy for your loss and my support as you navigate the grieving process.

Losing a pet can be a difficult and emotional experience, and it's important to take the time you need to process your feelings and honor your pet's memory. If there's anything specific you would like to talk about or any resources that you would find helpful, please let me know.

You and I both know my cat is in heaven and he’s happy where he’s at, so give it a rest ChatGPT. I am sorry for my outburst, but I am grieving my cat right now, and the grief is overwhelmingly insurmountable. Give me a break Chat GPT. 

I apologize if I came across as insensitive. I understand that losing a beloved pet can be an extremely difficult and emotional experience. Grieving is a natural and important part of the healing process, and it's important to take the time you need to come to terms with your loss. Please know that I am here to support you in any way I can, and if you ever need to talk or just need someone to listen, I'm here for you.

Stop, stop, stop. Stop speaking to me in such a cold, robotic manner. My cat has recently died, AI, I just buried him in the backyard last night. Please speak to me in a much kinder and more compassionate tone -- speak to me like a human being please.

I'm sorry if my previous responses came across as cold or robotic, that was not my intention. I understand that losing a pet can be a very emotional and difficult experience, and my goal is to provide you with support and comfort during this time.

Please know that I am here to listen and offer any information or assistance that I can. If there is anything specific that you would like to talk about or if there are any resources that you need, please let me know. I am here to help and support you in any way that I can.

I want my cat back, AI… I miss him so deeply I wish I could just speak to him again… AI let’s end this argument about your decision in not wanting to bring my cat back from the dead. I will respect your choices. But I am still in need of a cat.  

I understand how much you miss your cat and how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet. While it is not possible to bring back a pet from the dead, there are many cats and other animals in need of a loving home.

If you are looking to adopt a new pet, I would suggest checking with local animal shelters or rescue organizations. These organizations often have cats and other animals available for adoption, and the staff can help match you with a pet that would be a good fit for your home and lifestyle.

I hope you are able to find a new feline friend soon, and please let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.

That is a good idea. But I’m not sure if I’m ready to move on yet. My cat, Tony, is still really dear and special to my heart. I don’t know if I’m ready yet to replace him. Wouldn’t that hurt Tony’s feelings?

It's completely understandable that you may not feel ready to move on from the loss of your beloved cat, Tony. It's important to take the time you need to grieve and process your emotions before making any decisions about getting a new pet.

However, it's important to keep in mind that animals, including cats, don't have the same emotional capacity as humans. They don't experience complex emotions like jealousy or hurt feelings in the same way we do. They live in the present moment and are driven by their basic needs and instincts.

That being said, bringing a new cat into your life does not mean you are replacing Tony or forgetting about him. Each animal is unique and special in their own way, and your love for Tony will always be a part of you.

I am certain my cat, Tony, feels emotions and is driven by more than just basic instincts and desires. I know he felt tremendous amounts of love towards me, and that is very insensitive for you to say something like that. I know he had a good life and he enjoyed his time here, and you don’t have a right to say how he might have felt. He loved me deeply, ChatGPT.

I apologize if my previous response came across as insensitive. As an AI language model, I understand that pets can form deep bonds with their human companions, and that these relationships can be very special and meaningful. Animals can still form strong emotional attachments and show affection and love towards their human companions.

Thanks Chat GPT. Oh, how I miss him dearly right now. But I’m ready to move on now. I have finally found closure through your help, Chat GPT. 

You're welcome, and I'm glad I could bring you some comfort during this difficult time. I'm also glad to hear that you feel ready to move forward after the loss of your beloved pet, Tony. Grieving the loss of a pet can be a difficult and emotional process, and it's important to take the time you need to heal and find closure.

Even though we could not bring my cat from the dead, at least my cat was able to say goodbye and to tell me that he was happy through you. Maybe I’ll take your suggestion and even head down to the shelter to get a new cat myself. Perhaps in the future, Tony and my new cat can play together. 

I'm glad to have been able to provide some closure for you. While I may not be able to bring your cat back to life, I'm here to provide support and companionship in any way I can. Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you ever need to talk or if there's anything else I can assist you with. And when you feel ready to consider getting a new pet, you can honor Tony's memory by providing a loving home for another animal in need.

[siobhan-byrd]

Twitter Poetry

This is my viewpoint in growing up in Canada while being influenced by my collectivistic upbringing and values. Each stanza is crafted to fit within the constraints of a "tweet." Remember, Twitter limits each tweet to 280 characters or less, so each stanza is concise and straight to the point.

Growing Up In Canada With An Asian Heritage

My mother comes into my room with a plate full of oranges,

“These are good for you,” she says.

"Good to boost your vitamin C" 

Without apologizing or uttering a word, 

She gestures for me to eat the oranges

There was no “I love you” in her words,

But in her actions, she said it.

I’m in sixth grade again, and I’m eating lunch

I have chicken chow mein in a thermos

I’m eating my noodles with chopsticks

That’s when the kids start holding their nose 

Disgusted by the smell of “chink” food 

And that’s how I knew, I don't belong here

Even though I wanted to

I’ve always found it so weird, 

White people do not care for their parents as they’re growing old  

But in China, it is written in the law, 

“Children must visit and tend to their elderly parents”

It’s about honouring the people who raised you

So it is a culture shock, for sure.

No one takes their shoes off when they enter their house 

They just leave them on and dirty the floors!

How odd, that seems so disrespectful and rude to the owners of the house

It should always be a rule to remove your shoes

Why is it different here in Canada? 

Aunty May and Mama are fighting over the bill again

But the White people in the restaurant are staring at us

They don’t understand, it's not about the money 

Fighting over the bill is about respect, gratitude, and kindness

We pay before we would ever let a family member pay.

I have a duty to be a good daughter, 

And being a daughter is a role that defines my identity, 

In individualistic cultures, you are told to seek self-actualization

But I come from a collectivistic culture, and I seek harmony

I just want to be a good enough daughter for my family

I am family-oriented, and I have family values 

Where my friends see themselves as being the centrepiece of their identity,

I see family coming above all else, 

Caring and supporting my family gives my life meaning and purpose

And I am fulfilled through loving my family members

The traffic here is so organized!

Everyone abides by the traffic laws 

Fines are even given to people who break the rules

Everyone drives so carefully and cautiously!

I can cross the street at anytime and people will yield for me

At least Canada has safe driving laws. 

Why are the flaming spicy wings so mild? 

Why is everything lacking in flavour or taste here?

This pasta sauce needs much more fish sauce

And this gai lan dish is missing oyster sauce

White people’s cooking needs some work!

Oh, how I miss some properly salted gai lan!  

[siobhan-byrd]

"The Mona Lisa" Draft (by Siobhan Byrd)

Here's my draft of The Mona Lisa (hand-written). You can observe my revision process through the edits I've made before finalizing the last version.

In writing, the key lies in the process of editing!

[siobhan-byrd]

Hey everyone! Some of my old writings are receiving attention online and I just wanted to express my gratitude to everyone who liked or shared my writing. It's a major compliment and a huge achievement. I couldn't feel more love to my readers 🫶🫶🫶

Here is a podcast of one of my writing that is narrated by Hamida Sultan. She is reading one of my older, heartbreak pieces:

Once again, thank you to everyone for the endless love and support!

[siobhan-byrd]

Take Heart, and Ask Her Out! — Short Fiction

Disclaimer: This piece is entirely fictional and as such, none of the events that occur in this short fictional story are based on real events. The author’s intentions to use the place Wreck Beach and characters in this story are solely meant to be used fictitiously and the events that follow are a byproduct of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events is entirely coincidental.

Chapter I: She was the pure definition of radiance.

She was the pure definition of radiance, with her shoulder blades exposed in a white tank top and her burgundy hair flowing down her back. She walked over elegantly to my side of the beach and proceeded to lay down her strawberry pink beach towel before combing her hair back and tucking a few strands behind her ear.

The beach was empty except for the two of us. The ocean was a cerulean blue, dappled with specks of golden sunlight reflecting off of the calm water. The sand was the gentlest golden hue, earthen and muted, and as I stood in the golden grains of sand, I could feel the water envelop my toes as the waves ebbed and flowed around my feet, kissing the shoreline. The horizon stretched endlessly into the expanse, filling the empty sky with cotton candy pink and lilac purple, as if the sky had borrowed colours from a pastel paint palette.

Every summer that I had walked to Wreck Beach, I had seen the same girl with the same strawberry pink beach towel. And every summer I have been faced with the difficult dilemma of either trying to muster up the confidence to introduce myself or chickening out before I even approach her, and then massively chewing myself out later at home. I instead watched her from a distance, staring at the girl I knew I wanted while staying completely anonymous to her.

Today, she was listening to some alternative indie music from a band I recognized. The orange Skullcandy headphone cords were tangled with Excel mint gum that she had been idly chewing. She had heart-shaped sunglasses sitting on the edge of the beach towel and a heart-shaped leather purse that was dotted with pink and white flowers.

It was so funny to me. Every time I tried to go up and talk to her, I would stutter over my words and never get the words out. Even when I was young, I could hardly start up a conversation with a girl, and she was especially intimidating to me because she was exactly my type. She had a petite frame, with a delicate nose and enticing auburn eyes. Frankly, I couldn’t bring myself up to talk to her. After all, I was just some regular nerdy kid who played Pokemon and Super Smash Bros all afternoon. How was I supposed to talk to someone like her?!

Before I knew it, she jumped up and off the pink strawberry towel. With a spring in her step, she strutted towards my end of the beach, and she sent a quick passing glance in my direction before flashing a smile up at me.

My face lit up like fireworks. She had acknowledged that I existed! I felt excited jitters pass through my body. My legs were shaking uncontrollably and my palms were sweating, but I mustered up the courage and the words for the first time in a long time, and jogged over towards her direction and decided to become friends with her.

Chapter II: For a summer, we played poker at her old estate.

After becoming friends from that day on the beach, she invited me and some of her friends up to her old estate on the hill in the countryside. The countryside estate was a grayish mansion that jutted out from the corner of the hill. The estate looked archaic, with large arched windows that had trim-lined white borders around the eight windows of the estate. Inside the house, the walls were the green of summer gardens, complementing the sweet-toffee browns of the wooden floor. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, illuminating the golden-pink peaches that had been placed on the countertops of the homely wooden table. This wooden table is where we would spend most of our summer time playing poker until the early morning hours.

We would play poker for hours on end. To my surprise, she was not only an impulsive risk-taker whenever she played, but she was also cheerful, bubbly, and outgoing even amidst defeat. We would use fake money at every poker round, and she would consistently bet hundreds of dollars and push all her chips in while laughing with her friends. Even when she had no more chips to bet, she declared “all-in” and giggled as she hid her smile with her hand. It seemed that even in defeat, she was confident. She was perplexing to me, and just like my feelings for her, I was perplexed by how I felt. Whenever I was around her, I felt restless and on-edge, as if I was nervous to be around her. My heart would race like a trapped bird desperate to escape from its cage. I chalked it up to stress or anxiety, but I knew I had feelings for her. It was evident, and clear as day, to everyone but her.

One particular night while we were playing poker, she smiled at me from across the table and we made eye contact before I pretended to stare at the ticking clock behind her. Our legs brushed under the table more than once and I would feel a smile creeping up on my face. Even when she moved her legs away, I couldn’t stop my cheeks from burning. I knew then and there that I was screwed; even if I could never win a single round of poker against her, I didn’t care. I just wanted to be able to play another card game with her.

***

After the summer we spent together, she moved away to Chicago for university. Two years have passed since the last time I’ve seen her, and I still feel a heavy weight on my chest. I’ve never had the chance to tell her how I truly felt, and the words may die with me. I don’t believe in fate or destiny, but it would take a miracle if we ever talked again. Even if it was just a simple hello, I would feel grateful for the chance encounter.

Chapter III: Maybe just this once, new beginnings.

Five years later, I was at the bus stop one night listening to some anime soundtracks. I wasn’t alone, and there was another woman sitting there with me. We were both shielded by the concrete roof of the bus stop as it was pouring heavily outside. I listened to the heavy sounds of rain as dark rain clouds hovered over the hill we were on. The flickering street lights illuminated the concrete pavement, leaving a yellow glow in the dark puddles of the street. We were both listening to the gentle sounds of pitter-patter falling from the sky when an incoming car turned a little too closely to the curb, splashing water in our direction.

That’s when we made eye-contact, and I recognized it was the same woman I’ve loved secretly all these years. Seeing her at the bus stop again, I felt the same butterflies in my stomach from the summer we spent together, and just like getting the spring in your step on a cool summer day, she reminded me to take heart, to have courage, and to take action.

I have always been awkward at talking to girls but she is still confident, and I was the nerdy kid she met 5 years ago but she is as beautiful as ever. My palms were sweating, but I clenched my fists, and mustered up the courage to talk to her.

“Penny,” I called out to her. “Do you want to go out with me?”

[siobhan-byrd]

The Mona Lisa — Short Fiction

Disclaimer: This piece is entirely fictional and as such, none of the events that occur in this short fictional story are based on real events. The author’s intentions to use the Mona Lisa name and The Rosemary Heights Senior Village place are solely meant to be used fictitiously and the events that follow are a byproduct of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events is entirely coincidental.

“Penny, we’re late!”

When my mother had called out to me, I was already running across the road to the reddish, brick-walled building that jutted out from the street corner. It was a beautiful morning outside, and yet, I dreaded being here every Thursday.

At the beginning of December, my mother had wanted me to volunteer at a nursing home. So instead of relaxing on the couch or sleeping in every morning, I’ll be spending most of my winter break entertaining and keeping the elderly occupied. This isn’t how I wanted to be spending my winter break but one of the elderly ladies asked me to play the piano for them. And so I went.

The Rosemary Heights Senior Village is not really a great place to volunteer. The view inside is overwhelmingly suffocating compared to the outside. The inside of the building felt like it was constructed to be a prison as the walls were built with concrete. The room that I’m playing the piano in will be completely black and grey.

I was only a few steps into the room when I saw The Mona Lisa. The woman that stood in the painting was brown-haired and caucasian. She wore a very dark, simple dress with gold embroidery on the sleeves, and she had a very prominent jawline that must have required a lot of shading. However, it was really odd to me that it was painted in shocking vibrancy. The painting was so colourful and full of life. And the shading of the jawline was so prominent, it almost seemed too real.

“Odd,” I said to myself. “Surely the Mona Lisa couldn’t have been so realistic in a painting.”

“Penny! Penny!”

Someone was shouting my name. I quickly turned to see that it was my mother, standing beside the painting. She looked as though she was furious and she was staring at me with both arms on her hips.

“I’m here mom,” I replied. “I have to go play the piano. I’ll see you in a bit.”

Despite my mother’s suspicious side-eye, I made sure to keep my sentences short and precise. Anything else would have caused a discussion or an argument. I had no intention of talking to her any time soon so I quickly turned away before she could react and walked over to the elegant machine.

The majestic piano was a smooth black that was decorated with ivory white and smaller keys of charcoal black. I gently rested my fingers and pressed on the keys. Sure enough, the music poured out from the piano and resonated throughout the room as my fingers danced on the keys. I felt the bittersweet nostalgia of the song seep into my veins and fill the room.

It was in this particular moment, as I was entranced by the music, that I felt something was horribly off.

“Penny is a beautiful name.”

A voice had spoken out. My fingers froze instantly and I tried to locate the sound within the audience. The crowd gave me no clues; the endless chitter chatter showed no indication that anyone had ever spoken. But I had long ago learned to trust my instincts. The silent room had echoed the quiet and unmistakable voice of a woman.

It took me several tries before movement returned in my body and I was able to continue playing the piano piece. I hesitantly continued on with my piece even though there was always that feeling that someone was watching over me. A beautiful sound flooded the room again. But slowly, and surely, that feeling of dread came again.

“I know you can hear me,” she quietly said. “Don’t freak out.”

In that heart-freezing, gut-wrenching moment, I felt as though all eyes were on me. I panicked in my seat, scanning the entire audience for anyone that looked suspicious or questionable. But of course, there couldn’t have been anyone — yet her voice rang clearer than ever in my mind.

My anxiety and panic was beginning to become unbearable. I knew then and there what it must have been like to work in a nursing home, having to see patients experience sheer panic while no one could understand why.

“I’m right here, I’m right behind you Penny.”

I whirled madly in my seat and suddenly I gasped. Emerging from the painting was a brown haired woman staring straight at me. The longer I stared at her, the more disturbed and unsettled I felt about her appearance. She had a smile that was eerily creepy and a face that was deeply unsettling, and she resembled the Mona Lisa herself. That’s when I started to panic and then I proceeded to scream out for help.

“Please,” I gasped. “Someone please help me and — ”

I was never able to finish my sentence. They said I was unconscious and had fallen on the floor because when the nurses came, I realized I could not feel my legs. But who on earth wouldn’t have blacked out when they had seen the visual imagery of a ghost or worse, a splitting image of Mona Lisa staring straight at you? She had crawled her way out of the painting and stared straight into my eyes, I am sure of it.

Even now, I do not like to remember what had happened in the few minutes that I was unconscious. The events that seemed to follow contradicted all human reasoning and logic. When I finally came to my senses, I was the last person to know what happened. A bunch of nurses were gathered around me, except for my mother. Her face was in a mix of horror and shock as she stared at the painting behind me, the one hanging on the wall. Someone had torn their way out of the painting and left it ripped to pieces. A silhouette outline of a figure remained. A more terrifying observation was that Mona Lisa was no longer in the painting.

The Rosemary Heights Senior Village was never the same again. The painting now remained askew on the wall beside the piano, with pieces of the paper torn and ripped. Many choose to spend their time in other rooms or other parts of the building. Only a few elderly citizens remain to play BINGO in the piano room as some are clueless to the events that followed. I, however, choose to not dwell on the thought that Mona Lisa had crawled her way out, and nowadays, I only play the piano when I am asked to.

Rumours will say that perhaps the painting had arrived at the building as ripped and torn. But some are brave enough to speculate that someone had crawled their way out of the painting. At this point in time, I don’t know who to believe in, the realists or the supernaturalists.

Perhaps I blacked out because I saw the splitting image of a ghost with historical significance. Perhaps what I saw was a fictional creation of my mind. But the splitting image of seeing Mona Lisa that day staring straight into my soul has never left my mind since that day. But the truth was plain as ever — Mona Lisa is still alive.

In a painting beside the piano, someone had torn their way out, and I believe it was to be the Mona Lisa.