I break every night.

I'm not writing this to be strong.
I'm writing this because I'm tired of holding it in.

I'm just a girl. A teenager.
And my life isn't the perfect picture everyone thinks it is.
Behind my smile are breakdowns, secrets, and nights where I cry until I can't breathe.

This isn't a story.
It's my life.
It's every thought I was too scared to say out loud.
It's the hurt I carry when no one's looking.

If you've ever felt like no one understands,
if you've ever broken down alone in your room at 2 a.m.,
then maybe my words will feel like yours too.

- Tia Sen.