The day I posted my last blog about Earth's twin, I couldn't stop wondering – if Earth had a twin, what is my twin self doing right now? Is she having coffee, painting by the window, or maybe playing with her cats? I imagine her life unfolding just a little differently, shaped by choices I didn't make. It's strange to think that somewhere, in another universe, another version of me might be living the life I sometimes daydream about.
Like parallel lines maybe parallel me and this 'me' have a lot in common or perhaps a lot of differences? I wonder if she pets every dog she sees on the street too. Does she stop mid-walk just to say hello to them, like I do? Is she just as obsessed with Harry Potter - does she still rewatch the movies when life feels too much? Does she laugh at herself when trying to imitate Joey's ''How you doin'?'' even though it never sounds quite right? Maybe she has more friends, or perhaps she's finally opened that cozy little embroidery shop I daydream about during long classes.
I imagine she's the type to still write blogs late at night, pouring her heart out just to feel lighter. She probably still has funny yet thoughtful gift ideas - like the coaster, I wanted to paint after someone called ''ঠান্ডা পানি'' ''ঠানডি পানি.'' I bet she's doing well in university too, maybe even holding onto a VC’s award or two. I picture her juggling work, life, and dreams, but somehow with a little more ease.
In that universe, maybe she's already grown into the version of me I hope to be - fit, confident, and at peace with herself. I like to think she's watching over me, smiling when I take small steps forward and whispering ''You've got this'' when I stumble. Maybe she's just as proud of me as I am of her.
I close my eyes and let the thought drift in - what if I could step into that other universe, even just for a moment? I imagine the air feels slightly different, softer somehow as if the whole place breathes in a quieter rhythm. The colors around me aren't strange but glow just enough to feel unfamiliar.
And then I see her – me, but not quite. The moment I saw her, I knew. She's sitting at a cafe, sipping coffee, sketching in a notebook I don't own. Her hair falls a little differently, and there's something light in her expression as if she's figured out something I haven't yet. I wonder if she notices me too. Would she know right away who I am? Or would she tilt her head, curious but not certain, trying to place the familiarity between us? This version of me carried something I couldn't quite place. Confidence? Peace? Maybe both. I wondered how her life unfolded compared to mine. Did she make the choices I hesitated on? Did she let go of fears I still hold close? I wanted to know if her dreams looked like mine and if the things that kept me awake at night ever bothered her at all.
I imagine walking up to her - this parallel version of me. She looks up, tilts her head, and smiles like she's been expecting me.
''So, do you pet every dog on the street too?'' I ask, sliding into the seat across from her.
She laughs. ''Of course. I thought that was a universal rule.''
I smirk. ''And Harry Potter movie marathons? Please tell me that’s still a thing.''
''Obviously. You think I'm going to skip my annual watch?''
I lean back in my chair, watching her. ''Be honest. Do you ever try Joey's 'How you doin'?' just to see if it works?''
She grins. ''You know I do. And no, it doesn’t work any better in this universe.''
We both laugh, the kind of laugh that feels like home.
''But… have you opened the embroidery shop yet?'' I ask, trying to hide the hope in my voice.
Her smile softens. ''Yeah, I did. It's small, but it's mine. People seem to like it.''
I can't help but grin. ''And friends? Do you have more of them?''
''Enough. But I still keep my circle close. You know how we are.''
We sit quietly for a moment, watching the world go by. I wonder if she struggles the same way I do – if she gets anxious over things that don't matter, or stays up too late chasing thoughts she'll forget by morning.
''Do you ever feel lost?'' I finally ask.
She pauses, then looks at me with something soft in her eyes. ''Sometimes. But I think that’s how I find things that matter.''
After a while, she stretches, finishing the last sip of her coffee. ''I should probably head out,'' she says with a soft smile. ''There's a dog down the street that hasn't gotten his ear scratched yet.''
I laugh, knowing I'd do the same. ''Figures. Well… it was nice meeting you.''
She stands, tucking her sketchbook under her arm. ''You'll be fine, you know. You' re already doing better than you think.''
And just like that, she walks away, blending into the crowd as if she was never really there.
I blink, finding myself back at my desk, the glow of my laptop screen pulling me back to this world. The cafe fades, but the warmth of that conversation lingers - like a quiet reminder that maybe, somewhere in another universe, I’m already living the life I dream about.
I guess I'm the biggest paradox I've ever known. I'm insecure in everything I do, yet I love myself to the point of total narcissist. So while I am living through this life, I live it with a smile. Because in the parallel universes, I live a different life and hope she is happy. And maybe, I can hold onto that thought when things feel heavy now. Somewhere, in some version of reality, there's a me who's already overcome this. She's watching with pride and joy, knowing I'll find my way too.
For now, though, I'm here - and that feels just fine.
