By: Martha Isabella Alexandra S. Carlos of Grade 8C – Aristotle
Julia is a straight-A student, a campus journalist, a student government officer, and a quirky person whom many people relate to. She had it all—beauty, brains, talent, and the admiration of others. Yet she couldn’t feel genuine affection.
She longed for the kind of love where someone comforts you, supports you even in silence, and chooses you—not out of obligation, but out of care.
Ever since she lost her loved ones, Julia always kept a diary with her. She poured all her feelings into it. It helped her release the grief and heaviness inside her, yet she constantly yearned for a love beyond romance—something deeper than what she could feel.
Yes, she was popular, but she had no friends and no family to lean on.
The night before Valentine’s Day, a quiet urge settled within her to write in her diary. She sat at her table and opened it.
Feb. 13, 2024 — 11:32 PM
In a cruel world, where can I find compassionate love in a person? A love that understands the way I see things, that understands my busy schedules and responsibilities. God has already shown me His love, and I am grateful for it. Yet I still seek that endearment—from every corner, every side, every space I see.
—Love, Julia
When she stopped writing, she felt a strange calmness within her, as if something were about to change her life.
Would her Valentine’s Day be joyful and meaningful—or would it bring another wave of loneliness?
She woke up later than usual the next morning. Rubbing her eyes, she reached for her phone. A notification appeared. Her hands hurried to open it.
What seemed like a simple message brought tears to her eyes.
It was from a fellow student leader from another school whom she had met at a conference the week before.
“Hello, Ate Julia! I’m Mylah, one of the student leaders you met during the Pioneer Innovation Conference last week. I’ve admired you for a long time, and you’ve inspired me ever since I started junior high. I love how you share your ideas and inspire fellow leaders like me. I was wondering if we could meet today for a small Galentine’s date. Thank you, and I hope to see you!”
Julia’s heart melted. She quickly replied with a “Yes!”
It was the first time someone had invited her to something like this. For the first time in a long while, she felt a small spark of genuine warmth inside her chest—one that had begun to bloom.
When they met, they talked about academics, their interests, and their experiences as student leaders. After their meeting, they both went home with light and cheerful hearts.
Two years have passed since that day.
Although they attended different schools, Julia and Mylah remained close. Their bond grew stronger through calls, study sessions, and interschool conferences.
Mylah’s closest friend was Julia.
Julia’s closest friend was Mylah.
They shared a platonic love—a friendship that was simple, sincere, and lasting.
Julia’s diary had helped her through the highest and lowest moments of her life. It became the place where she wrote every feeling she could not say aloud.
And in its pages, she finally found the answer to the love she had been searching for.
Julia’s prayer had been answered. It may have been just one friend, but that person meant the world to her. They supported, cared for, and believed in each other more than words could ever describe.
That was the beginning of a genuine friendship.
And maybe—just maybe—you might find a love like that too. Not only in a lover, but in a friend, a family member, or a community.
Because love does not begin in romance alone.
It begins within us.
We give it not out of obligation but out of care, support, and respect for one another.
And that is what we call true love.
“One of the selected writers for February, highlighting the theme: Voices of Love and Kindness.”