When No One Checked In

There were days
I didn’t speak.

Not a word.
Not even to myself.

Not because
I had nothing to say
but because
no one
was listening.

I waited.
For a message.
For a call.
For a knock
on the door.

Nothing.

They say,
“Reach out if you’re struggling.”

But I tried.

And the silence
was louder
than my pain.

So I stopped trying.

Started pretending.

Smiled harder.
Laughed louder.

Because that’s what they liked.

And slowly,
they forgot
to ask.

Forgot to check.

Forgot that
even the strongest people
can disappear
without leaving.

Now I carry
this silence
like a scar.

Invisible.
But aching.

Still hoping
someone will notice
without being told.

Still hoping
someone will ask,
“Are you really okay?”

And stay
long enough
to hear
the truth.