Every morning, she woke up, dressed neatly, and stepped out like everything was okay.
People admired her.
“Strong girl.”
“Always happy.”
“Nothing dey worry this one.”
If only they knew.
Because behind that smile was someone who overthought everything.
Someone who felt alone even in a crowded room.
Someone who cried herself to sleep but still woke up to pretend again.
Her phone was always full of chats…
But empty of real conversations.
She kept telling herself:
“Others have bigger problems.”
“Just be strong.”
“Don’t be dramatic.”
So she stayed quiet.
Days turned into weeks.
Weeks turned into months.
And the weight kept getting heavier.
Until one day…
She couldn’t fake it anymore.
Not because she was weak—
But because she was human.
She finally said it:
“I’m tired… I’m not okay.”
It wasn’t loud.
It wasn’t dramatic.
But it was real.
And that moment changed everything.
Because someone listened.
Someone cared.
Someone reminded her that she didn’t have to carry everything alone.
That healing didn’t mean you were broken…
It meant you were ready to get better.
Now she still smiles…
But this time, it’s not fake.
Because she learned something important:
You don’t have to suffer in silence.
You don’t have to be strong all the time.
And you are not alone — no matter how it feels.