Thank yourself

Chapter 1: The Girl Who Tried Too Hard Raiden had always been the kind of girl who carried the weight of the world on her small, tired shoulders. At school she was the “responsible one,” at home she was the “strong one,” and among her friends she was the “listener.” But at night—when the house finally fell silent and her phone stopped buzzing—Raiden wondered if anyone ever noticed her. She woke early that Monday morning, sunlight slipping through the thin curtains of her room. Her mind was already racing—assignments, promises she made to people, errands she needed to run. She didn’t even remember the last time she did something just for herself. While brushing her hair, she caught her own reflection. For a second, her eyes met a girl who wasn’t tired—just forgotten. “Maybe,” Raiden whispered to the mirror, “maybe today I try thanking myself… even once.” It felt strange to say. She wasn’t used to appreciating herself. But the thought stayed with her as she grabbed her bag and left for school. On the way, she saw everyone rushing—students, shopkeepers, workers. Everyone chasing something. Raiden realized she had been chasing approval for so long that she forgot to chase peace. When she reached school, her friend Aira waved excitedly. “Raiden! Can you help me with my assignment? It's due today!” Of course. Another request. Another responsibility. Another moment where Raiden was expected to show up—even if she had nothing left to give. But this time… she paused. She remembered the mirror. She remembered the promise. “Listen, Aira… I can’t help today,” Raiden said softly. “I need to do my own work first.” Aira blinked, surprised. “Oh… okay. Are you alright?” Raiden took a slow breath. “I’m learning to be,” she replied. And for the first time in a long time, she felt a tiny spark of strength. Small, but real. She didn’t know it yet, but this was the beginning—the first step toward finding herself… and the twist that awaited her life.