Protecting the City with Likes and Comments

I occasionally read old articles.

At times like that, I find myself checking—wondering if this person is still writing.
Wondering if they are still using note.

I open the author's page. I also open the pages of those who left comments.
I find myself looking at the date of their last update.

Why do I do such a thing?
Because for some reason, I feel lonely on my own if I think they have quit note.

There was an account that said, "I will post every day" in its profile.

—The last post was eight months ago.

In the comment section of another article, someone had written, "I'm looking forward to the next one!"
The date remained from two years ago. There was no reply.

The sign is still up, but the lights have gone out.

I once wrote that note is a "thoroughfare."
That readers are passersby, just walking through.

If that's the case, then an account that is no longer updated
—is a ghost town after the people have left.

Only the words "I will post every day!" shine alone on a street where no one walks.

Why do people stop writing?

It's simple. It's when they feel that what they have written is not being read.
That is when their spirit breaks.

Starting to write

At first, it was just a way to bounce ideas off a wall. Without thinking about who might read it,
I was just pouring out what was in my head.
Thinking it would be lucky if someone read it.

Then, one day.

A like was added. A comment was added.
There were even people who became members.

Someone was watching me. —This is an undeniable fact.

That fact kept my light from going out.

And above all, when I realized there was someone who saw me for who I really am,
I was able to write from the heart once again.
Realizing that it was okay to put my thoughts into words.

—This city is a place where I can be myself.

That is precisely why I...

Press the like button immediately when I think an article I've read is good.
Leave a comment, even a trivial one, if I feel something.

This isn't kindness. It's ego.

The articles written by the people I follow, by those who are writing their hearts out on note.
I don't want those treasures of mine to disappear.

I don't want to let this city, where I can be myself, turn into a ruin.

So today, too, I open someone's article.

Oh. I love this, I think, as I press the like button.

I leave a comment behind.

I will continue to protect my treasures.