When I look in the mirror,
I see the ghost of a broken little girl —
the one who learned to quiet her laughter,
to swallow her tears before anyone could see.
She longed for love that didn’t leave bruises,
for acceptance that didn’t demand silence,
for comfort that didn’t fade when the lights went out.
She mistook survival for strength,
confusion for unworthiness.
She built her walls high
and cal...