I'm fine, but not really
They asked, "How are you?" and this time, they really meant it. They looked at you like they had space for the truth. But you still smiled. You still said, "I'm fine." Not because they did not care. Not because they would not stay. Because the truth was too heavy to carry out loud. I hope you heal from the fear of being honest with people who are safe enough to hear you.
Every time the truth climbed your throat and you swallowed it back down. every question you dodged with a smile. every night you cried alone because no one asked when you were ready to answer.
One safe place. one person. one moment where you do not have to edit your pain.
The first time someone asks and you do not flinch.
The tears you saved for the dark. they are not shame. they are just waiting for permission.