I am a dreamer, my mom used to say. I have always been filled with daydreams of wood spirits sitting by the desk of my chair, of wind spirits welcoming me with a kiss on the cheek, with water spirits helping me not to get wet inspite of a downpour, of fire spirits giving me warmth when my blanket isn't enough to fight the thwarting cold. It was never hard for me to dream but the challenge has always been how to snap out of these dreams and stay in reality. It was so easy to remove myself from the world than blend in.

—Pender, Olive