I see the smiles on your face,  

the way they fade when no one else is around.  

I see you get up, then stumble,  

I see you cry, then wipe the tears away  

like they never existed.  

I see the weight you carry 

the kind no one asks about.  

The silent battles, the hollow nights,  

the exhaustion you dress up as resilience.  

I see the way you laugh,  

as if the world has never touched you,  

as if there’s no shadow behind your ribs.  

But I know the truth

the ache in your silence,  

the storm in your stillness.  

You seem so strong,  

so no one ever asks if you’re okay.  

They assume you are fine.  

But really, you’re not,  

and I see that.  

I see you.