it is a simple reaction, almost deceptively so.
every human soul, upon creation, is:

1. acidified using the truths of the universe,
2. mixed with the procedural knowledge of the cosmos in a ratio of 1:2,
3. set on fire with a bunsen burner fuelled by fiery phoenix flames,
4. presented alongside carefully calculated calculations, and
5. taken into scrutiny by the rest of the academic community.
   some are combusted beautifully, picture-perfect specimens of
   ruby and quartz and sapphire that last forever. others are more
   function than fashion, but serve excellent purposes that the
   jewels would be too fragile to. yet others are simple coal,
   unremarkable, unimpressive, forgettable and forgoable.

no one wants to be coal.

but there is something dangerous about being forever. complacency
begins to manifest, brewing like slow-roasted coffee, and so does the
need to remain eternally exquisite. eventually, it breeds discontent,
arrogance, something sinister yet unplaceable. when the first cracks
appear, the shattered delusion implodes on itself.

everyone is coal on the inside.

---

Anna Oh is an aspiring writer from Singapore who enjoys exploring themes of existentialism. Her other hobbies include drinking bubble tea and finding her place in the universe.