OPHELIA

My name is Ophelia. I was Ophelia. My life which was consumed by loss and indifference answers a secular question: to be or not to be? Without my family and accused of immodesty, my options in the XVII century were none. A victim of other's decisions, a supporting role for no one to support me... I just couldn't find strength. Later, they cried, they suffered. For centuries, I have been remembered by my young death - the image of a non-spoken woman surpassed any consideration of my authenticity and cleverness. I don't know how I got here in Dark Valley, but it seems it will only depend on myself to find again the meaning of my life. I will. I didn't want to be here. I will find belonging. I am alive.

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Artwork by Derek Castro for Dark Valley