Whispers in the Quiet

In a dream,

I stood in front of a mirror.

But it didn't show me.

It showed every version of me that existed only to please others.

A girl with bandages over her mouth.

A girl with fire in her eyes, but rivers in her voice.

A girl who smiled so hard, her teeth started to crack.

l asked the mirror,

"Who am I?"

It whispered back,

"Who were you allowed to be?"

I didn't break the mirror.

I didn't scream.

I didn't cry.

Ijust stood there—

watching my reflections disappear one by one,

until only my shadow was left.

And even she looked tired.

Then, without apology, I turned my back and walked away.

Whispers Left Behind

• Some people learn to disappear without leaving the room.

• Being silent to keep the peace is how wars begin inside.

* You are not ungrateful for wanting more than survival.

* The real you is still there—buried under expectations, not lost.