Twin Flame

Karen Zheng Deng is a seventeen-year-old girl living in China. Here is what she wrote on her page of dedication in her book 'Twin Flame': Ideas, as legendary and momentary as illusory butterflies, dance through the sky of my mind. Yet, I caught them. Just like how a kiss is the physical manifestation of our love and desires, so are the ideas and spirits that are etched into the tangible existence of artwork. I want to preserve my love and emotions in my story, where they will be everlasting from the moment of their genesis. I did not expect that this book would attract the attention of many, so I regard it more as a gift bestowed upon myself, my memories, and my emotions. The creation of this book owes much to the inspiration I've received from many people around me. As a picture book that is fictionally adapted from my own experiences, I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have experienced such intense emotions and miraculous transformations, similar to the characters within my story. I know I will always remember these moments and feel blessed for having once lived them. I am most grateful for the existence of these wonderful inspirations and the people I love. I am thankful for their presence in my life, as if a gift falling from the sky. Whenever I feel self-doubt or dismayed, I always recall my beautiful memories, saying to myself- "You already have these memories. What are those pains compared to all of my felicity?" I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped me publish this book, including my teachers, family, and friends, and of course, to the reader who is willing to open this book—you.