Midnight Desk

Midnight Desk by Darin Tran, YWA member 2026

With the owls finally coming alive, the clouds obscuring the stars and moon that illuminate IK2W, another place illuminates in the absence of activity: the Midnight Desk. Consisting of a collection of one-person workstations, each overlooking the river, a thatched roof on top of it all, the open configuration allows the nightly breeze to flow freely throughout. Carrying the smell of dendrobium orchids and nemesias, the light wind that flows combined with the dreamy moonlight creates a subtly sweet environment for those to work. 

Frequenting the Midnight Desk are fireflies, often coming alive just like the writers who often come to the place. Once someone sits down, the small criters awaken, their light inspiring writers to imagine and dream of the most distinct stories not known yet to humanity. When a student comes up with more brave thoughts and dreams, the fireflies glow brighter, never overwhelming the student and distracting them from their purpose. They are symbols for the sparks of light that arise from writer during the night. 

As newcomers enter the Midnight Desk, sleepy and ashamed of staying so late, they find peace within. Finding others just like them, diligently working hard without constraints, they work until they have exhausted every single thought inside, or are too sleepy to write down their marvelous words. Sometimes, people stop by to jot down their 2AM ideas quickly, allowing them to expand it in the future. 

In the quietness, with no one awake enough to judge them, writers blossom with unique stories, some that will change the world. From personal narratives and big dreams, to brave ideas and gut-renching stories, they all flourish under this moonlit breeze, helping writers find the courage to write their next heartfelt story. With help from their environment, students utilize their powerful imaginations, which are fueled by the Midnight Desk.