The Feed

“The hardest thing a wounded child learns is how to stop apologizing for surviving.” There are photographs of me smiling that still feel dishonest to look at. Lipstick perfect. Hair pinned into obedience. Body pulled upright by discipline and fear. Everyone said I looked beautiful. Nobody asked why my eyes looked tired even when I was young enough to still believe adults were supposed to protect you. Dear “To the expectations that wore your face,” I used to think if I achieve