Sometimes the alarm rings, and even before you open your eyes, you know the to-do list is longer than the day has hours. You sense conversations that might be draining, moments when you wish you could just stay in bed — protected under the covers, while the world outside moves on.

Then — amidst this mental tangle — you listen to the rain pattering against the windowpane and think you hear their voice in its rush.

You get up, slowly slip on your wool jacket, and for a moment, it feels as if a familiar embrace is settling around your shoulders. In the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lies a hint of their perfume, a memory of a smile, of warmth, of closeness.

As if they were saying: “You can do this.”

No matter what the day brings, no matter what weather comes, no matter what storm you have to brace yourself against — somewhere out there are people who hold us. Their warmth is present, even if they are in another place.

Like a quiet magic of life that you feel as a thought, as a feeling, as a silent piece of confidence that sustains us when we need it most.

Such people are there. Sometimes only in thought, sometimes in the heart, sometimes simply in the sound of the rain or in a sunbeam that briefly falls through the window.

And suddenly, the day feels lighter, almost joyful. Because you know they exist — people who love and support us who we are.

Foto: IZA Dominik Izaquiel Tomé