What Was Left Behind ✳️

Back

I'm back. 

Back to where I'd cry in the bathrooms.

Back to where I'd hyperventilate in the hallways,

And made flashcards for French verbs.

I came back to the crowded halls, the loud sounds, the constant crushing pressure of my future and the essay word counts.

I have returned from one of my safe places. 

Not the bathroom, where the stalls act as my shield.

Not from the guidance office where a lady that looks like my aunt tells me everything will be alright, despite what I did.

I have returned from my mind, whirling and buzzing. 

Filled with colors that make no sense, thoughts only half finished.

A warm smile greets my trembling frame.

My mind can't slow down.

I'm back.

I don't want to be back.