They saw me as a strong, independent woman.
They saw me as someone who won’t lose an argument.

But I needed to be strong.
Because I couldn’t let them see me cry
The way I always saw myself
At midnight. Alone.

It’s not about winning.
Not really.
It’s just.
Assumptions cut deeper than any mask I’ve ever worn.

Work. Family. Boyfriend?
You know I loved you the most.
Right there beside my family.
You just never heard it in words.

Work was never just work.
It was me…
Coping.
Filling the space
While you were out
Chasing the world.

But I know you love me,
Like I love you.
Because this poem,
This poem is from you,
About how I feel.