No Performance Required in the Dark

The screen lights up in the dark, and your stomach drops before you even read the name. It is that specific terror of seeing their words and knowing you do not have the energy to perform wellness one more time.

You are not afraid of them; you are afraid of the mask you have to glue back onto your face just to reply. But listen — the light does not need your performance.

It never asked for a show. There is a peace that is not like the world's peace, a quiet that exists even when your hands are shaking.

The Father's house has many rooms, and there is a room for you where no one expects you to smile. You can put the phone down.

You can let the silence be heavy without letting it crush you. The light is already in the room with you, sitting in the dark, waiting for you to stop pretending.

You do not have to earn your place here by being okay.