to some people, stigma is just a fictional story with fictional characters. while that is true, to me, stigma is more than that. it's not just a piece of literature you read and forget once you've finished it. it stays with me until now, it lives in me, it lives with me. i see it in everything. stigma might just be a part of one's life, maybe a fleeting experience. however, it's my sanctuary. it's where i find comfort. it's where i feel safe. as a queer person, i relate to the story on a deeper level. some of the struggles i experienced myself. it taught me things i never had the chance to learn, growing up in a world full of people looking at you like you're a defected product instead of a human being with feelings. stigma, it felt so raw. it's fictional, but it's real. the hiding, the insult and assault, the degrading remarks, the fear, the stereotype, the generalisation, all of these are things experienced by real queer people. and to have the struggle and survival of a queer person told in a fictional story, it means a lot to me. to educate your readers these are real events that had happened, still happening and will continue to happen, it's important. it goes deeper than just two enemies falling in love. it's more than just two flawed characters working things out to be together. it's about to love is to live. to love is to suffer. to love is to endure. to love is to accept. to love is to understand. stigma will always be my number one fictional story, and i don't think it will be replaced any time soon. not now, not ever. it gave me a better understanding and new perspective of how life works. of course is not always sunshine and rainbows, there are storms, hurricanes, but the thing about life is, it goes on. your life doesn't end there. the strength that asen possesed inspired me to be just as strong. strong doesn't mean perfect. the more flawed you are, the stronger you get because at the end of the day, strength is the only thing that could help you get through life. and what's beautiful about it is that you could get strength from anything. there's no limit to it. you can get it from yourself, you can get it from the sky, you can get it from the rain, you can get it from your loved ones, you can get it from your experience, even your sadness. at least that's what asen taught me. he's a character that i really look up to. i would love to possess his qualities. and i can never thank you enough for writing a character as admirable as him. in a fictional where boys will be boys, asen is man. thank you for the comfort you bring me throughout this journey. i hope you know that although reading stigma felt like a stab to the heart, it is also a warm embrace to the soul. i hope you will never stop inspiring others through your writings. you're one hell of a talented writer. much love, from the previous malaysian moa if you can recall 💗