Stranger to Me

~Twenty-One~

Gilda's P.O.V.

My words had clearly baffled Sajana.

"What do you mean, 'you don't'?" she inquired. In answer, I pulled up my sleeve to expose several cuts on my arm. Her jaw dropped.

"Contrary to popular belief, it's not just teenagers who self-harm."

Still, she said nothing. I was under the impression that she couldn't say anything.

"I'm getting help though," I informed her. She heaved in relief.

"That's good," was all she could say. "I admire you though."

Now it was my turn to be baffled.

"What?" I spat.

"To have endured so much, and still go through every day with a smile on your face."

I sighed.

"It's not easy, but my councilor says it's a good thing to do - to have a positive outlook on life. You have no idea how hard it was at first. It got easier with time. But that doesn't mean it hurts any less. I've just gotten better at hiding it."

A silence came over us yet again. I think that has become a thing with us - there always has to be some sort of awkward silence.

Eventually, Sajana looked at the clock and gasped.

"Okay, I actually need to go now," she said, standing up. I walked her to the door, where she exited peacefully. I watched her walking down the sidewalk and I thought to myself:

She could bring it all back for me.