The Light Stays When They Leave

The room is quiet now, but your eyes are already working overtime, scanning the shift in their gaze for the first sign of departure. You are performing the role of someone who is enough, someone who doesn't need them to stay, while inside you are already bracing for the door to close.

It is a exhausting magic trick to play while the sun is up — to smile with your whole face while your spirit is already packing its bags. But notice this: the light that sees you behind the mask is not waiting for them to validate your worth.

It was there before they arrived, and it will remain when they leave. You do not have to earn your place in the room by becoming what they want you to be.

The love that holds you does not scan your face for reasons to exit. It simply stays.