The invisible struggles

The Healing Bonds

Maya and Elena were meeting in Elena's room after a busy day of classes. The setting sun cast a golden light through the window, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere in the room. Maya, sitting on Elena's bed, gazed at her friend with admiration. "Elena, I must say you look absolutely gorgeous. Every time I look at you, I think you are perfectly flawless."

Elena smiled shyly, touched by Maya's sincere compliment. "Thank you, Maya. That's very kind of you to say." But Maya noticed the shadow that briefly darkened Elena's eyes. She gently placed her hand on Elena's. "Is everything all right, Elena? You seem... different all of a sudden."

Elena hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath, as if finally deciding to share a heavy burden she had been carrying for a long time. "Maya, you see... it's not that simple for me. I have body dysmorphia. Every time I look in the mirror, all I see are my flaws. I constantly feel ugly and imperfect."

Maya's eyes widened in shock at this revelation. She had never suspected the internal struggles her friend was experiencing. "Oh Elena, I'm so sorry. I didn't know..."

Elena shook her head with a sad little smile. "I've never really told anyone. It's hard to talk about, but I know I can trust you."

Maya gently took Elena's hands in hers. "You are so brave to share this with me, Elena. You're much stronger than you think."

Elena looked down, a silent tear sliding down her cheek. "My mother... She is very critical of my appearance. She has always told me that I am not pretty enough, not thin enough. It's pushing me to the edge, Maya."

Maya felt anger rising within her against the injustice of Elena's situation. "She has no right to make you feel like this, Elena. You are beautiful, just the way you are."

Sitting on the soft carpet of Elena's room, Maya and Elena shared a moment of calm after a busy day. Maya, aware of Elena's personal challenges, felt the need to dig deeper to understand what was weighing on her friend.

"You know, Elena, I don't understand why your mother is so hard on you about your appearance. Is there a particular reason?" Maya asked softly, her eyes expressing both curiosity and concern.

Elena looked down for a moment, gathering her thoughts before answering in a controlled but sad voice. "My mother... she always wanted me to be perfect. For her, it's a matter of family prestige, of what others think of us. She wants everyone to say that she raised her daughter well, that she managed to raise a beautiful and intelligent daughter."

Maya frowned, her expression a mix of confusion and compassion. "But why? Why is it so important to her what other people think?"

Elena sighed, feeling overwhelmed by the years of pressure and unrealistic expectations. "She thinks that this is how I will succeed in life—by being perfect in everyone's eyes. It's as if my personal happiness is not as important as what others think of me."

Maya felt her heart tighten for her friend. "It's really unfair, Elena. You should be loved and appreciated for who you are, not for an image that someone else wants you to project."

Elena nodded slowly, her thoughts drifting back to childhood and adolescence, where every gesture, every word was scrutinized by her mother in search of perfection. "I know, Maya. But it's difficult. I often feel like I'm never good enough."

Maya gently placed her hand on Elena's shoulder, offering silent but comforting support. "You are more than enough, Elena. You are strong, talented, and beautiful in your own unique way. Don't let anyone make you think otherwise."

"Does your father approve of all this?" Maya asked softly, her eyes searching Elena's in the dim glow of the desk lamp.

Elena looked down for a moment, thinking about the best way to answer. She knew that this facet of her relationship with her parents was complex and difficult to explain. "My father... he doesn't say anything. He's just following my mom."