I Had to Pretend It Didn’t Hurt

Some pain isn’t loud.

It’s not a scream or a sob — it’s the silent performance of “I’m fine.”

You tell the story like it’s funny.

You change the subject.

You post something chill, knowing damn well you feel anything but.

It’s not weakness.

It’s survival.

You’ve trained yourself to mask the bruise before anyone notices it’s there.

But in here on FreeTo.Chat?

You don’t need to be tough. You don’t need to be funny. You don’t need to pretend.

Just drop it.

Let the ache out.

Even if it’s still wrapped in a joke.

Even if you’re not ready to explain it yet.

We’ll still feel it.

We always do.