You are not alone.

I keep choosing softer words and still watching them land wrong. We are tired of missing each other.

I became the strong one without applying for it. I do not know where to set that down.

I can be around people and still feel like I am watching from the hallway.

I can be fine for a stretch. Then a small sound opens a door I thought I had closed.

I miss the easy version of us. I do not know if we can get back there without breaking more.

My thoughts keep circling the same drain. I am naming it here so it is not only in my head.

I still set two mugs out before I remember. The second one sits there until I put it back.

I answer the same question again with the same calm voice. Inside I am tired of being calm.

The old words still visit. I do not answer them the way I used to. I just notice they came.

I can talk about ordinary things. The hard part is the pause after someone asks how I am.

I canceled what I could. I kept one small promise to myself: drink water, open the blinds.

I am not dramatic about it. I just eat dinner facing a window and pretend that is a choice.