Image description: The image is a colorful illustration featuring three groups of people arranged horizontally, from left to right. On the far left, we see two women and a boy smiling and interacting. The woman on the left has long, wavy hair and is wearing a light green top and black pants. The boy is sitting on her lap, with a friendly smile. To her right, another woman with long, white hair is sitting on the floor, also smiling. She is wearing a dark green top and black pants. In the center, two women are standing, both smiling and looking to the right. One of them has long, wavy hair and is wearing a light green dress, while the other has long, white hair and is also wearing a light green dress. On the right, a group of people stands in front of an open refrigerator, looking excited and happy. The refrigerator is white with green details. All the figures have long, colorful hair and are wearing various pastel-toned clothes.Listen to an excerpt of the letter narrated by its author, Camilly.
Rio de Janeiro, May 10, 2021.
Dear childhood,
I am writing to you given the need I have to get something off my chest about longing, and, amid so many things, what could I long for more than you? I am aware of the high level of intimacy we share, however, I prefer to address you formally due to the great esteem I hold for you. We know that I passed through you not long ago, so I keep in mind a great deal of our adventures.
You were the purest, most innocent, fun, and down-to-earth company I've ever had. One day I asked myself how you managed to do me so much good despite the reality I lived in, and I understood that your essence doesn't depend on anyone's living conditions. It's true that some show themselves more inclined than others to make the most of every detail you offer, but that's not what I'll be addressing here. My declaration is: I miss you! I miss the unique courage that only you gave me, the fearlessness, because you said what you truly thought, and whenever I was distressed, you'd soon make me forget and smile as if nothing had happened.
There are things I say or do now that are seen as irresponsibility, but with you, it was just innocence. I ask myself, at what moment did you abandon me? At what moment did everything become so serious? And my longing intensifies when I feel your essence. Yes, the one you planted in me. Yet I can no longer live it out, since climbing the neighbors' trees in secret has become a crime, playing in the street has become synonymous with immaturity. Concern about time goes beyond the hour to come in and take a bath. Scraped knees no longer mean the day was good. The courage to speak up is now indecency, boldness has become recklessness... In short, nothing compares to the life you once showed me.
The other day I heard that you are being afflicted by technology, but I want to assure you that you, my dear, are irreplaceable. Only those who have lived through childhood are able to agree that it will never be replaced by technology.
I know we will never see each other again, but living with you was a surreal experience.
Thank you for your attention! Kisses.
Camilly Santos
