Hi everyone! This is my first story here and I'm so nervous to post. I've always been fascinated by how names shape our sense of belonging; how they can be weapons or gifts, depending on who's saying them. This story grew out of that and out of a desire to write something soft and hopeful about two boys who find home in each other.

A few things to know:

- The names matter: Xinyi means "joy of the heart." Xin Xin is Dafydd's private nickname for him. Dafydd is Welsh, and Taffy is what the English kids called him when he started school (It was used as a sort of slur) but he was a young kid, fond of sweets and didn't take offence although sometimes he can tell they mean it meanly and he doesn't know why. Names are identity here and getting them right is an act of love.

- This is a gentle slow burn, no explicit content, just longing, letters and pigs.

- The pigs are important. You'll understand soon enough.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What names matter to you?