Reflections

In college, Rin perfected the part of the likable college student. He deceived everyone with a quick wit. However, he's always in a secret battle with despair and anxiety whenever he is alone in his dorm room, fighting intrusive thoughts. It appeared as though he led two lives: one that was visible to the public and one that he kept secret and out of sight. Rin's outer act was polished—his defense against the pain he couldn't articulate. He coasted through college, disconnected, never letting on the turmoil beneath the surface. One day, while rifling through old stuff, he stumbled upon a dusty journal from his childhood. In it, he found the dreams he'd long forgotten and the person he'd once wanted to be—a more optimistic version of his current self. Taking the first step, Rin then decides to do the one thing he held himself back from doing: face his inner demons. He stands in front of a fractured mirror. In a powerful moment of strength, he shatters the mirror, emerging as a more authentic version of himself. The revelation struck him—he didn't need that mask to be accepted and loved. Rin shared his story, hoping it would inspire others to be real about their own struggles. In the end, Rin's journey became a symbol of resilience and self-acceptance, showing that sometimes the most vital reflection is the one you find in the mirror of your own heart.