Anas

“«لسنا ما نريد أن نكونه. نحن ما يستدعيه المجتمع. نحن ما اختاره والدانا. لا نريد أن نـخيّب أحدًا؛ وبنا حاجة كبرى إلى أن نُـحَبّ. لذلك نـقمع أفضل ما بنا. وتدريـجًا، يتحوّل نور أحلامنا إلى وحش كوابيسنا. فتـُمسي أمورًا غير مُنجَزة، وإمكانيّات غير معيشة».”
― Paulo Coelho, ‫الزانية‬

“The most magical words a person can utter are 'Once upon a time.'”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year

“غريب كيف أنّنا متى التقينا زملاء المدرسة القدامى، نظنّ دومًا أنّهم لم يتغيّروا، حتّى وإن تحوّل أضعفهم إلى قوي، وانتهى الأمر بأجملهّن إلى أن تتزوج وحشًا؛ حتّى وإن كان أكثرهم تقاربًا على ما بدا، قد تباعدوا ولـم يرَ واحدهم الآخر سنوات.”
― Paulo Coelho, ‫الزانية‬

“Her reflection's hair was short, but she wore a simple violet robe tied at the waist with a blue sash. At her hip was her father's sword, and tucked in her hair- a blossom from their family's cherry tree.
Mulan knelt and lowered her fingers to the glass. It rippled at her touch. "This one. This is me."
A beat. Are you sure? asked the girl in the mirror.
"Yes," said Mulan firmly. "It doesn't matter whether I'm a girl dressed like a bride, or a girl dressed like a soldier. I know my heart."
Mulan flattened her hand against the glass, facing her reflection. Together, they said, "I am Fa Mulan, a girl who would sacrifice her life for her family and for China. I am a girl who journeyed into the Underworld to save her friend from dying. I am a girl who has fought battle after battle to finally recognize herself in the mirror. And now I do.”
― Elizabeth Lim, Reflection