“Pearl Divers”

I wrote this story in July 2023, the day I stepped away from Tuonela Magazine and suddenly found myself overwhelmed by “grelief.” I was sitting in the sauna, crying and listening to Auri’s “Pearl Diving,” and thinking about what it means to form unexpected, life-giving friendships.

This piece came from that moment: a tribute to a friend who inspired me when I didn’t know I needed inspiring.
It’s a story about taking a risk on friendship with someone who gets it. About being seen and daring to seek beauty together.