Crushing Hug

The world feels like a giant, crushing hug, squeezing the air out of my lungs. I put on a brave face, a mask, so no one can see how broken I feel inside. It’s like I’m slowly crumbling, and no one can help. The Christmas lights – they feel like a cruel joke, a mocking reminder of the joy I can’t seem to find. I’m drowning in this darkness, day after day. I feel trapped, like a bird in a cage, and all I want is to break free. But the pain holds me down, like a heavy anchor. Every morning, the sunrise feels like a punch to the gut. It reminds me of all the things I have to carry, all the expectations that weigh me down. It’s like a millstone grinding away at me, turning me into dust. I long to be real, to take off this mask and finally let my feelings out. But fear holds me back, a cold and silent voice telling me to stay hidden. I feel stuck in this cage, aching to be myself, to be free.