the back of my neck is tight, like i'm always bracing for something, but then she laughed and it loosened just a fraction, maybe that's all it takes, just one laugh to remind you the world isn't ending, not today anyway. soleil knew, she always does, rubbing against the woman's legs like saying, 'hey, i'm here too' and i realize my hands are open, palms up, like asking for something or maybe just offering what little i have. maybe that's what community is, a collection of open hands, catching each other when we fall, or just holding space for the small joys that manage to bloom even in the wreckage. i always thought it was about solving problems, fixing things, but it's not, it's just about showing up, with open hands and a slightly less tense neck.