The mark on the face

Returning to a place

and realizing you’re still remembered —

that moment when someone recognizes you,

a quiet smile lighting up their face —

there’s a warmth in it.

A sense of belonging.

You feel it,

the joy in those who are happy to see you again,

who are rooting for you,

eager to witness your growth.

And when they speak words of appreciation,

you realize —

you’ve been doing something meaningful all along.

Their acknowledgment becomes fuel,

a gentle push to keep going,

stronger than before.

Even a flaw,

a black mark on your face —

might seem out of place at first.

But when the rest is clear,

people see it for what it is:

proof that you’re human.

You’ve stumbled, sure,

but as long as your gaze stays inward,

as long as you keep trying,

you’ll be fine.

Especially when you have

such people around you —

the kind who might even

see your flaw as a beauty mark.