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As the comic clearly states, there are times, when we shed our child like days, and become grown ups. But what exactly, should this mean? Does it mean we lose our innocence, as people? Are simple, childish joys beyond us, as we grow? What of the things we held dear, as children?

For me...my innocence was robbed from me, before I could even appreciate it, so there isn't much I can say on the subject...

I mean innocence, in general terms. The way the cartoon portrays it, unknowing of another's touch. unknowing of the world's ways, so on, and so forth.

Eloquently put, Oni. Over the years, I've never been able to grasp innocence, because life served me knowledge of things hard and fast, and it's left me with a lot of emotional road rash, that to this day, has only begun to heal up. But with time, I've come to understand, that knowledge of the things we find joy in, shouldn't take away from the enjoyment we find in them, but add to them, and further enrich our jot with the things we like to play with.

And as she said, we only realize how precious love can be, when we lose grip on it, or have yet to know it, for quite some time. An example of this happened tonight, as I peeled away the scab that had grown on my knee. For the first time, well, ever, I saw my sister actually take time, to try and tend to my wound, wrapping cotton on my leg, and over the scar. I still can't get over that, and further enforced my theory, that no matter how cruel people can seem to be, they are also capable of showing kindness, or sympathy, or any other human emotion. It just takes more extreme circumstances for some to bring it out, than it does for others.

I remember back in my younger days, I was completely withdrawn from society, and was extremely hesitant to show my vulnerabilities to others, even those I should have considered close. This was compacted, when one of the first real relationships I've ever had, fell apart and crumbled, right before my eyes. I had convinced myself, that I didn't want to experience such pain again, and that I didn't want to get that deeply involved with anyone for a long time. At least, not over the internet.

Then came that fateful early November morning...

I had met Rokoko for the first time, and at first I treated her, like I did everyone I meet: with kindness, and care. This triggered nothing within me, but it apparently touched her so much, she quickly considered me a friend. And in 7 days, she showed small signs here and there, that she had an interest in me, deeper than just friends. She let herself sleep, while leaning against me, she touched me, right after she said, "I can't keep my hands, off the things I want...", she even got me to enjoy myself a little. I knew it was only the net, and I knew full well, it could've been a boy on the other end, or someone that was only seeking to play with my emotions, but still, I could never shake the feelings she caused within me. I dunno if it was her boldness, her bravery, or something else, but the night before I laid it all on the line, she straight out told me...

After that, I knew I had to do something, and turned to my journal, to let out everything this girl had stirred within me. After a period of calming, I saw her again, and knew I either had to just let it go, and be satisfied with being friends with her, and show her my heart, and risk being deeply wounded, emotionally. I finally decided to with the latter path, and to my utmost surprise, she held feelings for me, as well. And as more time passed, from that moment, my devotion to her only ran deeper, and grew stronger. She was able to do, what most everybody else in my life had utterly failed to do, and drew me out of my shell. And my emotions for her, intensified everything I did, creatively, and got me to become bolder, and braver, in my pursuits. She did so much for me, as a person, I honestly don't know what I can do, to repay her.

But I do this, though, I owe her my life, as it stand now, and I will be forever in her debt. She's brought me so much joy, and happiness, that I now seek, to bring those same emotions to her, through whatever means necessary. Even though we're states apart, even though we may not see each other for a long, and even though she's deeply entrenched in her studies, she taught me what it was like to be innocent again, and showed me how to enjoy life for what it is, and to savor every moment I have. And for that, I will swear to bring as much joy to her as possible, for she, in no way, does not need to repay me, to do anything for me. She is a kind, caring, wonderful person, willing to listen to, and help me with my troubles, and she loves me for who I am, not just what I do. That is worth more to me, than any diamond, gaming rig, or video game in this world.