Trepidations. Like on the Christmas eves of my childhood. The sense that something good is coming. Or not. That tomorrow will bring proof that I have been heard and seen. Or not. That joy – beautiful, unbridled joy– is within reach.

Until reality sets in again.

But not today. Not yet. Today, on the eve of the United Nations’ 28th Conference of the Parties, I can dream big dreams. Today, there is still the possibility that something good is coming. That when we wake up tomorrow, we will all finally feel like we have been heard and seen.

A YEARs-LONG CREATIVE EXPLORATION OF THE CLIMATE THROUGH 100-WORD STORIES • WEEK 43