The invisible struggles

Inner Voices

The university evening was in full swing. The large hall, decorated with sparkling garlands and colorful balloons, echoed with laughter and lively conversations. Elena, Lucas, Maya, and Alexander found themselves together, each lost in their own thoughts amidst the effervescence.

Elena stood by the window, watching the stars through the reflections of the festive lights. The compliments on her exhibited works had brought her a fleeting feeling of satisfaction, but now, in the shadows, her thoughts sank back into familiar doubts. Her eyes scanned the faces of the other guests, perhaps looking for some proof of validation that always eluded her. Am I really beautiful? Or is it just my mind fooling me once again? Each compliment was like a drop of water in a desert of doubts, unable to satisfy her thirst for self-confidence.

Meanwhile, Lucas was standing by the sideboard, absent-mindedly playing with a paper towel between his fingers. The charming smile he wore hid the inner storms that threatened to upset his evening at any moment. The joyful conversations surrounded him, but he felt like a stranger in the midst of it all. His thoughts revolved around his compulsive anger disorder. Is it going to happen tonight? Fear crawled into the recesses of his mind, fueled by every loud noise or sudden movement. He tried to keep control, but every second was a struggle against the monster lurking inside him, patiently waiting to break free.

Maya was absorbed in her phone, her face lit up by the bright screen. The virtual games she played offered a refuge from the social anxiety that overwhelmed her whenever she had to interact in person. For her, the pixels and avatars were more predictable and less threatening than the real faces that surrounded her. I don't want to go back there, she thought, staring intently at the screen. Yet part of her knew that this refuge could not be permanent. The real world was always waiting at the door of her digital thoughts, with its challenges and unforeseen events.

Alexander stood back, silently observing the flow of conversations and interactions. His mind was a whirlwind of numbers and calories, mentally calculating every bite taken by the guests around him. The academic perfection he had achieved did not hide his daily struggle with anorexia. How long before someone notices? Every social event was a test of resistance against the demons that took over his mind, turning every interaction into an opportunity to calculate and control.

The evening was in full swing at Windham University. Laughter echoed around the tables dotted with colorful snacks and drinks. Lucas, feeling the festive atmosphere but also the need to lighten the mood for his friends, decided to launch a game he had invented for the occasion.

He spotted Elena, Maya, and Alexander chatting near the lively dance floor. With a mischievous smile, he approached them. "Hey guys, are you up for a game?"

Elena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A game? What is it this time, Lucas?"

Lucas rubbed his hands conspiratorially. "It's a simple and fun game that I invented so we can all relax a little. It's called 'Offbeat Challenge.' Everyone must throw an offbeat challenge to the others, and the person must take it up without shirking!"

Maya burst out laughing. "That sounds great! So, who's starting?"

Lucas pointed to himself. "I'll start the first challenge. Maya, I dare you to dance like no one is watching, right here, in the middle of the dance floor!"

Maya raised an eyebrow, but she couldn't hide her smile. "Challenge accepted!" She got up with enthusiasm, walked to the dance floor, and began to move with contagious energy. The other students around them applauded and joined in her improvised dance.

Elena, laughing heartily, threw the next challenge to Alexander. "Alexander, I dare you to recite a poem about mathematics in a theatrical and passionate way!"