January 2014
In the heart of Taipei, the Liu family’s life was about to blow up.. Little did four-year-old Charlie and his seven-year-older big brother Justin know dark clouds were brewing…

January 2023
Dear Little Charlie,
Life’s about to get a bit tricky. Remember playing with toys and asking endless questions? Keep that curiosity alive. Be kind to Justin. You guys argue plenty, but trust me, he’ll become your best friend, your strongest support.

A storm is coming. Embrace the challenges; they’ll make you stronger. Even when things seem confusing, hold tight to your dreams. Never forget—you’re not alone.

Warmly,
Charlie Liu

March 2014
Today was different. Mom and Dad were talking in hushed tones again. When I asked what was wrong, Dad ignored me. Justin & I sensed something was wrong; the air felt heavy and suffocating with secrets. I thought I heard the word “divorce” and felt afraid. Why were they upset? Did I do something wrong?

I could hear dad quietly yelling, “We’re drowning in debt and it’s all your fault, Jasmine! You keep screwing up every stock investment and now all of our savings are gone. How can I keep working when there’s hardly a penny in my pocket!?”

”I’ve been trying my best, Brandon. The market is unpredictable and I know I messed up. We need to work together to find a solution, not point fingers. Think about the kids.” Mom softly replied. “Besides, your ‘work’ hasn’t been helping either…”

Sometimes, I wished I could understand why they keep fighting. It felt like the ground beneath our family had begun to crack, and I wish I could stop it from crumbling anymore.

Late into the night, the Liu brothers gather in their secret base under a giant blanket.

“Justin, do you think Mom and Dad will be okay?” Charlie whispered.

His eyes reflecting a mix of concern and hope, Justin replied ”We have to believe that they’ll find their way and we’ll find ours too. It’s late, Charlie, let’s sleep.“

Wearing a single MP3 player earphone each, Justin & I were listening to The Beatles. As the classic melodies filled our tiny tent, the worries of the outside world faded away.
“Hey Jude, don’t make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better…”
In those moments of shared music and whispered conversations, the relationship between Justin and I strengthened. The Beatles’ melodies had become the soundtrack to those difficult times, reminding us that even in face of hardship, there’s always hope.

August 2014
One evening, Mom gathered Justin and me for a heart-to-heart conversation.”Boys,” Mom calmly began, the concern and love in her eyes obvious. “Your father has been addicted to Mah Jong & gambled all of our savings away. Mom and Dad won’t be together anymore. I’m so sorry boys, but we will always be here for you.”
Mom’s revelation pressed on us like a giant rock. The weight of her words hung in the air, each of them carrying the burden of truth that was too heavy to shoulder. “In life, change is a constant, and sometimes it leads us down unexpected paths. Whatever happens, we must face it together as a family. No matter how uncertain the future looks, just keep your head up and trust that Mom and Dad will always be here for you.”

”Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right…“
That night, in the secret Liu base, The Beatles’ familiar lyrics played in the background but the usual warm emotions were no longer present. The once uplifting harmonies now seemed bland. It was a moment frozen in time, where the once blue childhood skies crashed with the thunderstorm of the grown-up world.

January 2015
In the peaceful deep mountains, Justin, Charlie, and their mother camped under the stars away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The campfire’s gentle warmth surrounded by the sweet smell of roasting marshmallows and the sounds of laughter echoed through the night. Jasmine shared tales of the boys’ childhoods and they momentarily escaped the endless drama in Taipei. In this moment of peace, they could appreciate the unconditional love and support they would always have when together.
Charlie and Justin shared their hopes & dreams, while . Jasmine listened with motherly love to break the knots in their hearts.
“Hey Jude, don’t make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better.”

The next day, they welcomed the morning sun with a newfound shared love & hope for brighter days to come. No matter how chaotic or unpredictable, together, family can overcome all of life’s storms.
Back in reality (Taipei), the three approached the future together with optimism for a better future.. That night under the stars became a beautiful chapter in their lives, leaving them with memories of joy and faith in their family’s future.

January 2023
Dear Little Charlie,
As I pen down these words, I want you to know—life’s storms never end, but just remember, “anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain, Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders.” Just keep your head up, kick, push, and coast.
Mom and Dad separating may seem like the end of the world,, but it’s not. It’s a new beginning for you, Mom, and Justin to level up. Remember, all you need is love—it’s the only thing that will lead the way to brighter tomorrows.
“Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right.”
The sun will rise again, and so will we.
So, Little Charlie, don’t carry regrets. Life unfolds in mysterious ways, and our journey is far from over. Embrace the challenges, dance to the rhythm of life, and let the Beatles be the soundtrack to our life.

With love,
Charlie Liu”

In the heart of Taipei, the city where their tale began, and beyond its bustling streets, the Liu family navigated through the challenges and emerged with a newfound understanding that, in the face of life’s storms, only love,resilience, and family will light