Something was bound to fall through the cracks. Then I’d be a failure. As far as I could tell, the other kids didn’t seem to feel the same pressure as I did. I didn’t know how to let go of the expectations. How to coast through school with a focus on friendships and memories rather than grades and aspirations. A part of me wanted to be like them, but I knew if I tried, my entire house of cards would fold. Every time I considered relaxing my standards, my chest constricted as societal pressures clamped down over my ribs. I tried to take a deep breath before entering the administrative offices, but the stress-induced vise grip wouldn’t allow it. A stinging pain shot from the base of my lungs. My shoulders rounded, but I didn’t stop my progress. The sensation was nothing new. I would probably
