Hollow City

A Glimpse into the Unusual

Dear kindred spirit, I write to you from a world that is both hidden and vast, a place where the impossible dances with the everyday, and where bravery is found in the hearts of those who dare to be different. My name is Jacob Portman, and if you're willing to lend me your ear, I promise to share with you a tale that might just make you see your own life in a different light.

Imagine, if you will, a world where children possess abilities that defy explanation, and where time loops protect us from the outside world. This is my reality, a reality I stumbled into rather unexpectedly.

There was a time I thought I was an average teenager, with the usual worries and dreams. But that all changed the day I discovered that my grandfather's stories—tales of children with peculiar gifts and monsters that lurk in the shadows—were not just stories.

They were real, and I was part of this secret world. I became the protector of my friends, the peculiar children, as we navigated a world fraught with danger.

You might think your life is ordinary, but trust me, within each of us lies the extraordinary, waiting to be unleashed. In this journey of mine, I've come to understand the value of difference and the strength it takes to embrace who you truly are.

As you read this, remember that each struggle you face is not a barrier but a stepping stone towards becoming who you're meant to be. Like me, you may find yourself in situations where the odds are against you, but it is in these moments that your true character is forged.

The Monsters We Face

As I journeyed with my peculiar friends, we faced monsters both literal and metaphorical. These creatures, known as hollowgasts, were once like us but became corrupted, their humanity stripped away.

They hunt us relentlessly, driven by an insatiable hunger. But it's not just the hollows that we had to fear; humans, too, can be monstrous in their ignorance and fear of the unknown.

Maybe you've felt the sting of being misunderstood, of being judged for what you are rather than who you are. I've learned that the real monsters are not always the ones lurking in the shadows, but rather the ones that dwell within us—prejudice, hatred, and fear.

In fighting these monsters, both within and without, I've discovered a resilience I never knew I had. Each battle, each narrow escape, taught me that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the decision to stand and face it head-on.

You, too, have your battles, your hollowgasts, that seem invincible. Yet, remember, with courage and the support of those who stand by you, no monster is too great to overcome.

Do not let the shadows of doubt cloud your vision. Instead, let your inner light guide you through the darkness.

It's a lesson I carry with me every day, and one I hope you can find solace in as well.

The Labyrinth of Time

Our sanctuary, dear reader, lies within the loops of time created by our ymbrynes—guardians who can manipulate the fabric of time itself to protect us. These loops repeat the same day endlessly, shielding us from the outside world and the passage of time.

It's a peculiar way to live, I admit, but it's taught me that time is both a gift and a curse. You might find yourself trapped in the monotony of your daily routine, longing for change or fearing it.

I've learned that time should not be a prison but a canvas upon which we paint the story of our lives. As we've journeyed from one loop to another, seeking safety and answers, I've realized the importance of living in the moment.

Each day is a chance to grow, to love, and to make a difference. The past is a memory, the future a dream, but the present is where life truly unfolds.

Embrace it, dear friend, with all its uncertainty and potential. Cherish the time you have, for it is the most precious of commodities.

Our time loops may protect us, but they also isolate us. The world outside marches on, and we must eventually face it, just as you must face the changes in your own life.

To grow is to change, and to change is to live truly. Do not fear the passage of time, but rather seek to fill it with meaningful moments and connections.

The Bonds That Hold

In this peculiar life of mine, I've learned that the bonds we forge with others are our truest source of strength. Emma, my fierce and fiery companion, has taught me that love can ignite the spirit in ways nothing else can.

Each of my peculiar friends, with their own unique gifts, has shown me that diversity is not a weakness but our greatest asset. In your life, too, there are those who uplift you, who challenge you, and who stand by you when the world seems to crumble at your feet.

There have been times when the weight of responsibility threatened to crush me, when the fear of losing those I care about loomed large. But it's in these moments that the true meaning of friendship and love shines brightest.

You are never alone, even when the night is at its darkest. The people in your life, the connections you've built—they are the stars that guide you home.

Let me tell you, the power of unity, of standing together against the odds, is unparalleled. When we face challenges as one, we become more than the sum of our parts.

Treasure your relationships, nurture them, and let them be your beacon, just as my peculiar family has been mine.

The Quest for Identity

Who am I? It's a question that haunts us all, peculiar or not. Throughout my journey, I've grappled with my identity, with finding my place in a world that is both wondrous and terrifying.

I've come to realize that we are not defined by our abilities or our past, but by the choices we make and the paths we choose to follow. You, too, may be searching for your purpose, for the meaning behind the life you lead.

Know that it is a quest we all embark upon, and it is one that never truly ends. I've worn many hats: grandson, friend, protector, peculiarity.

Each role has shaped me, but none have encapsulated the entirety of who I am. We are complex beings, you and I, capable of change and growth.

Do not let labels confine you. Instead, seek to define yourself through your actions, your passions, and your compassion for others.

Embrace the journey of self-discovery, for it is the most rewarding of all. Along the way, you'll find pieces of yourself you never knew existed.

And in those moments of revelation, you'll come to see that your identity is a tapestry woven from every experience, every triumph, and every setback.

The Resilience to Endure

Life, peculiar or otherwise, is a series of trials. I've faced more than my fair share—monsters, time loops gone awry, the loss of loved ones.

Each trial has tested my resolve, but also honed my spirit. Resilience is not something we are born with; it is something we build, like a muscle that strengthens with use.

In your own life, you've faced challenges that seemed insurmountable, times when giving up appeared to be the only option. I'm here to tell you that you are stronger than you know, that the human spirit is capable of enduring much more than we give it credit for.

With each setback, we are given a choice: to falter or to rise. I've seen the depths of despair, but I've also witnessed the heights of hope.

There is a wellspring of strength within you that will carry you through the darkest times, should you choose to tap into it. Draw from your experiences, lean on those who care for you, and know that you are built to withstand the storms of life.

Remember, resilience is not a solitary endeavor. We draw strength from one another, from the shared understanding that we are not alone in our struggles.

As I have learned from my peculiar friends, so too can you find solace and power in the community around you.

The Power of Choice

In my peculiar world, I've come to understand the profound impact of choice. It is the choices we make, large and small, that define our journey.

I chose to embrace my grandfather's legacy, to protect my peculiar friends, to fight against the darkness. And while these choices have led me down treacherous paths, they have also revealed to me the essence of life itself.

You are faced with choices every day, each one an opportunity to shape your destiny. Do not underestimate the power you hold in deciding your course.

There will be times when the right choice is not the easy one, when the path forward is shrouded in uncertainty. I've stood at those crossroads, my heart heavy with the weight of consequence.

But it's in making these difficult choices that we truly grow, that we truly live. Let your values guide you, let your heart be your compass, and trust that the choices you make will lead you to where you need to be.

Life is a tapestry of choices, each thread interwoven with the next to create the masterpiece that is your existence. Choose with intention, with hope, and with love, for it is through our choices that we create our legacy.

From Peculiar to Personal

As my journey unfolds, I've come to find solace in the shared human experience. Our circumstances may differ, our battles unique, but at the core, we are bound by the same threads of hope, fear, love, and resilience.

My peculiar life is not so different from yours. We all seek understanding, a place to belong, and a purpose that gives our days meaning.

The world I live in may be hidden from view, filled with wonders and dangers you may never encounter. But the essence of my story resonates with the universal quest for selfhood.

In sharing my tale, I hope to have opened a window into your own soul, to have illuminated the common ground on which we stand. As you navigate the twists and turns of your life, know that you are capable of extraordinary things, just as I have discovered within myself.

My dear reader, if my words have stirred something within you, I invite you to delve deeper into the world I inhabit. "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs is a masterpiece that unveils the peculiar lives of my friends and me in greater detail.

It is a story that will enchant you, challenge you, and perhaps even change you. In its pages, you will find more than just fantasy; you will find a reflection of the human condition, the struggle against adversity, and the triumph of the spirit.

Thank you for allowing me to share my peculiar journey with you. May you find your own path, peculiar or otherwise, and may it lead you to a life filled with wonder, courage, and the knowledge that you are never alone.

With heartfelt sincerity,Jacob Portman