TITLE: Hindering Narcissus

Narcissus Papyraceous, is a tiny, wild, and extremely fragile flower native to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Its presence and scent have defined my childhood. I remember running free for hours in the forest close to my house and often falling asleep under a eucalyptus tree, its base a bed of white, miniature lilies buzzing with the sound of bees. Almost 40 years later, the delicate Narcissus and eucalyptus leaves adorning my 9-year-old daughter's hair is a sight that evokes a deep sorrow. Anastasia, much like millions of children around the world has been living a constrained and muted existence for the better part of two years now. An unwilling voyager in a dystopian world where human contact is laced with fear, anxiety, and reproach, and movement is restricted, observed, and punished. Pure joy is momentary, fleeting, and watered down with uncertainty and caution. "Mitsikorida" as the little flowers are called in my native language, only bloom for three weeks before perishing. Is my daughter's childhood equally fleeting, or is it already too late?

AUTHOR: Elena Paraskeva (Cyprus)