Silence: The things people don't say

"Why?" They ask me, their eyes waiting to see if I was going to bulge, their ears ready for some gossip, their mouth ready to spread some lies, their mind already making up rumors.

Because I will lose too much if I did.

Because I will still fight it.

Because I can do it.

Because I know my worth.

Because I'm confused.

Because I'm afraid of judgmental people.

Because I'm afraid of the disapproving looks.

Because I'm afraid of rejection.

Because I already know what's going to happen next.

Because I don't want pity.

Because I'm afraid.

Because I've been hurt.

Because I aim to please people

Because I don't want to lose friends.

Because I feel everything.

Because no one even cares.

"Just Because." I say, nothing more, nothing less. With that I walk away.