Macaque had known of death all his life. He'd come close to it, and eventually, he'd succumbed to it.

Death was a strange haze. But life was worth clawing his way out for. And then it was a game of survival and anger, so, so much anger.

Days merged together often, and Macaque would often forget to breathe without the horrible thoughts swimming in his head.

The only thing that mattered was the big picture. Whether he could escape, whether he could find the space to breathe, whether...whether...

It's a good thing, then, that life sometimes has a funny way of simply shouting "Look up!"

And when you do, it's beautiful. It's full of laughter. It makes you remember that life flourishes and grows.

It reminds you that you're growing with it, too.

Life greets you through warm food being placed in your hands. It says hello as rain pours down, filling your ears with its even pitter patters. It laughs as the sky shifts throughout the day, chasing you along.

Macaque inhaled softly, closing his eyes as the sun's rays warmed his face. A breeze shook his hair slightly, causing a small smile to break through.

He fixed his scarf, enjoying its softness as he moved forward, eager to meet with his newfound company.

Life often swallowed him whole, dangling over death's patient gaze.

But then again, life sometimes has a funny way of showing off its simple beauty.