"Proud of You, Anak"

They called her brilliant before they ever called her human.
At seven years old, Jhiya already knew what disappointment looked like on an adult's face. She knew that medals made people kinder. That high grades made relatives proud. That achievements were the only thing keeping her worthy of love.
For years, she lived as the "perfect student."
Top of the class.
District competitions.
Gold medals hanging around her neck so often they almost felt permanent.
But nobody noticed how heavy those medals truly were.
Because while everyone celebrated her success, Jhiya was quietly disappearing.
And when she finally stopped shining the way they wanted her to-
they called her lazy instead of asking if she was okay.