This short story was a simple project, but gratitude is said to be a rare and precious gem. And if I have a chance to make a shoutout to friends and loved ones, then why not? Simple story. Simple acknowledgements.

I thank my family who, since my childhood, has always supported my imaginative and artistic projects. I thank God for them and for my experience of family that has been an image of the eternal homeland, the true Upperwind.

I thank my brothers and superiors in the Legion. I’ve always felt understood and encouraged in my writing endeavors. Special thanks to my dear WRITEclub – the present and past members – my brothers in arms who helped me start writing and have put up with many “fast-trash” drafts of all my projects. Thank you, Fr. Erik Burckel, Br. Maximilian Nguyen, and Emmanuel Flores for reading and commenting on this story together.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

I want to thank a certain Miss Reme, the lady at the snack shop of the school I worked at. This story was inspired by her. I watched her feed a baby bird named Piloncillo (Spanish for “cane sugar”) everyday outside the shop until one day she told me with tears in her eyes that Piloncillo hadn’t made it.

I wish to recognize those others who read my drafts for their positivity and constructive criticism: my parents and siblings, Br. José Alberto Rincón (who wanted to change Piloncilus’s name to Gregornee), Br. Jaime Plasencia, Br. Luke Brezinsky, and Olivia Steeves. I hope I’m not forgetting anyone. If I am, I pray that their reward shall be great in Heaven.

Lastly, I express my thanks to Jesus Christ who lowered himself, taking the imperfection of our world upon himself and showing us the way to truest life. To him, glory and all my love.