It's really sad and heartbreaking to watch the news right now. Kids from ages 5 to 10 died, along with six adults because of another school shooting. It reminded me of ia Tech.

And the person/s who caused such massacre are viewed as evil. Just like how we portray the villains in our story...

But remember, the villains have their own stories to tell. No one is born evil. No one is born with bloodthirst. Once upon a time, these villains were once good people. They are the protagonists in their own stories but something happened that ultimately altered the course of their life and unfortunately, they weren't able to go back.

Watching Detective Conan and Naruto reminds me of this simple truth. It is in DC, that I find myself pitying the murderers. Oftentimes, they are pushed beyond their limit and in that one moment of rage, they were able to steal another life. There is a reason. But it isn't justified.

And so, in the light of such devastating events, we see a person turned into a monster. He killed his mom. His mom was a teacher. He shot students and teachers in his mom's school. Is it only me who sees the connection?

Prisoners, for me, are the most heart broken people in the planet. In order for them to commit such crimes, they must have felt cornered and helpless that all sense went away in desperation. They are broken. It is this brokenness that drives addicts to find solace in drugs or liquor. It is this brokenness that compels one to take his own life, or another, for that matter.

We were whole when we were born. But society can break us. I am also broken. My heart is. A clumsy and insecure first born with so many expectations to fill. But by God's love, He made it whole again. And by His grace, I wasn't led astray.

And I hope the same for everyone. That no matter how difficult our circumstances are, we can persevere. Besides, we are not alone. We have a Father and He has given each of us to lighten the load. In together, there is power. Let us not distance ourselves away from friends and family.

I believe that me being here in AFF has a purpose. You see, it is here that I find kindred souls because it is here that we unconsciously shed the masks of our innermost beings.

And so the next time we write about an antagonist, let us make them human. Just like how our protagonists are human.

-Keeper (I am my biggest villain lol)