I press my palm to my chest, willing my heartbeat to slow, but it races uncontrollably, a staccato drumbeat of panic and rage.
I sniffle and continue splashing water on my face, trying to erase the ghost of him from my reflection, the ache of my own heartbreak.
I close my eyes and take a trembling breath, acknowledging the truth I’ve been avoiding, I am tired. Tired of acting strong.
Tired of pretending that I don’t need anyone. Tired of burying the parts of me that ache for attention, for understanding, for someone to look at me and see all the broken pieces I carry inside.
All my life, I’ve been the one surviving. The one holding everything together. The one keeping a smile on my face while chaos swirls around me.
I’ve been the one everyone leans on, everyone expects strength fr
