Professor Dela Cruz reviewed my trial-inspired sketches in class. She was quiet for a long time.
"These are different"
" she finally said. "
The technique is still developing, but the fear is gone. There is... strength here. Resolve." She looked at me.
"What will you do with this strength, JM?"
It was the question I had been avoiding. The fight was over. Who was I now? I had no answer for her. But for the first time, the question didn't fill me with dread. It filled me with possibility.