Mei writes:
Today was beyond dark. To me. The sunny blue skies open to everyone else were closed behind the shutters of my denial.
I can still hear the sounds of celebration around the city – voices raised in laughter and exultation. Happy throngs weaved about the streets calling to their fellows, congratulating one another for their triumph over their foes.
Then they began to lavish gifts on one another, declaring their independence from any and all restrictions.
I kept well away from them all.
I would almost despair if I did not have faith in the promises. There was a time before when these feelings would have crushed the very life from me.
I tell myself it will all be over soon.