To leena

 Dear Me,

I know right now it feels like everything is caving in. Like no one sees you. Like the pain will never stop. But I’m here to tell you—it does get better. I know, because I’m living proof.

You made it through nights you thought would break you. You kept breathing, even when your chest felt hollow. You kept hoping, even in silence. That’s not weakness. That’s your unseen strength.

I still carry the memories. The grief. The ache. But it no longer controls me. I’ve learned how to feel without drowning. I’ve learned how to say no without guilt. And most of all—I’ve learned how to love myself. The real me. The girl who survived everything they said would ruin her.

There will come a day when you wake up and it doesn’t feel so heavy. When your heart feels like yours again. When you cook just for yourself and no one makes you feel bad about it. When you smile without pretending.

That day is coming. So hold on.

Not because it’s easy, but because you’re worth the life on the other side of this pain.

I’m proud of you.

I’m so, so proud of you.

Love,

You. But freer.