Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It's a vital component of any healthy relationship, as it allows people to connect with each other on a deeper level. When we practice empathy, we can better understand each other's perspectives, validate each other's emotions, and provide support when needed.

Over time, the phrase they shared—“xx better”—became their shorthand: two kisses, a wink at progress, an affirmation that being better didn’t demand perfection. It meant being kinder to oneself, willing to try, and daring to be visible in modest ways. When Ophelia tucked a note into her mother’s coat before a community meeting—“You’ve got this. xx”—it felt like returning a favor the Missax evening had once given them both: permission to try.