I'm tired! Tired of worrying and carrying burdens that are not even mine to carry. They say you have to stay strong but I have been strong for way too long.   I'm not as strong as many may think or I make myself to be.  Turns out I've been in survival mode for decades. Wondering if instead of strength, it has been adrenaline sustaining me all this time. But I'm running out.  I'm tired! Tired of holding this shovel that I was given as a child. Used it to dig a hole deep enough to bury my emotions for all the years to come. I will not let weakness get in the way of my role - being the protector. Emotions are a crutch so it's important to bury them immediately. Crying could only be done in silence otherwise the others could sense the truth. And the truth would break them and I could not let that happen. I'm tired! Tired of wearing this mask. I don't want to be pitied so I just dwindle away in hiding. Very few notice the silence. It's better that way b