I can feel my heart swelling in my chest. I can feel its glow.

When I close my eyes I can see it, a patchwork of reds, a kaleidoscope of colours. Bright crimson like blood, soft blush like that of a shy child and the warm glowing red of a sunset. There are hints akin to coral, maroon, scarlet, ruby, wine, rose and many others besides. Others that we have no name for.

If I look closer, I can see scars scattered across it. And it’s as though pieces have been removed from it and replaced by other jagged parts that don’t fit quite right. I’d like to think that each mismatched piece belongs to someone I love. People that have touched my heart. My family, my friends, my ex’s. People I have met on the street, those whose words have touched me. Everyone.

And I suppose all these people have changed me. They’ve helped me grow. And now, they’ve given me the strength the face this new test. You.