u/EchoesInTheForest

I think people get used to you handling everything quietly.

Being calm. Being understanding. Being “mature” about things.

And after a while nobody really checks if you’re okay too.

You just become the person that absorbs stress for everyone else.

Honestly I think I got so used to holding everything together that I forgot what it feels like to actually let go.

I kept telling myself maybe they were busy.

Maybe they forgot.

Maybe I was overthinking it.

But deep down I already knew.

Sometimes people don’t leave all at once.

They slowly stop choosing you.

Fewer replies.

Less effort.

Less interest.

Until one day you realize you’re the only one still trying to hold the connection together.

And honestly… that realization hurts more than a direct goodbye.