Behind The Smile

I’m okay.

At least, that’s what I tell people.

I can smile.

I can laugh.

I can go to school.

I can show up and act like everything is normal.

So I

must be okay,

right?

I’m okay.

I can talk to people.

I can joke around.

I can do the things I love.

I can be there

for everyone else.

But sometimes I wonder—

Am I actually okay?

Because honestly, I’m tired.

Tired of trying so hard.

Tired of pretending things don’t hurt.

Tired of feeling like

I have to be strong all the time.

I’m not okay.

But I don’t want people to worry about me.

I don’t want to be a burden.

I don’t want people to see me differently.

So I keep going.

I get up, I smile,

I go to school.

I practice. I laugh with my

friends.

And sometimes, nobody notices.

Sometimes I don’t even know

if I want them to.

Because part of me wants someone to ask,

“Are you actually okay?” And another part of me is already ready

to say,

“Yeah.

I’m fine.”