I Smiled So No One Would Ask

At work, they call me “the confident one.” My friends say, “You’ll find someone soon.” They don’t see me at night, wiping off my makeup, staring at a mirror that whispers back: “Not enough.” I smile louder so no one asks the questions I can’t answer. And yet, in the quiet, I wonder if love is really for other people — not me.

Gentle reflection: Many wear masks to protect their hearts. It’s a coping mechanism. It helps us survive.