For Ashlyn

Instructions

⠀⠀⠀" Feels like we could go on for forever this way ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀two friends, on a perfect day " ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀--- [ TW ] Death, cancer, sadness Once upon a time, a beginner artist stumbled upon the Scratch profile of a legend. That beginner artist was me, a year or two ago. That legend was Ashlyn, otherwise known as @Imprison. From the moment I saw her art, I was inspired. I commented my amazement on her projects but I didn't really know her. I created a DTA, that beginner artist me. I was heavily referencing some designs and thought that that was 'taking inspiration'. And Ashlyn saw my project. She explained patiently and kindly to me why that was wrong and it stuck with me. I never did that again. She inspired me to be original. And then one of my Scratch friends became friends with her, and I was invited to an invite-only roleplay where Ashlyn, some of her friends, me, and some of my friends were roleplaying. We became friends. Good friends. Her friendship was even more spectacular than her art, which is saying a lot. I often wondered why she chose to be friends with a less-popular, less-skilled artist like me. I realize now that she didn't care about popularity. She cared about friendship. She picked me as a friend and I am honored. And that was a blissful time. Our art was improving, we talked and roleplayed frequently, I was happy. And then she went inactive, like so many Scratchers do. Many of my friends went inactive during that time, and I was left with just a few. Most never returned. I convinced myself that Ashlyn had moved on, that she was living her life and being awesome like she always is. And then she came back. Except she had news. And it was bad. Bad news. She had cancer. I guess I never really understood the gravity of the situation. I always had a conviction, a feeling that she'd just be fine. The true meaning of the news never hit me. I was so naive. I was truly willing to bet my life on the fact that she'd be okay. And then she wasn't. The news hit hard. I cried. Many times. There are so many things I wish I could have told you, Ashlyn, that I never got the chance to. Like that your designs were the best I'd ever, ever seen. Better than anyone else's. Like that your friendship meant the world to me. Like that you meant the world to so many people. You did, you really did. We all love you, Ashlyn. You inspired so many people with your art, your kindness, your strength. You didn't lose your battle with cancer. When you passed, it died with you. But your mark on the world still lives. Its doesn't. You, Ashlyn, have always been a winner. We'll miss you. I know you're in peace. If you're out there somewhere, if you can see this, I hope you enjoy it. Nothing I could do will ever repay you for all of the amazing things you've done. Fly high, Ashlyn.