I'm afraid of growing up.

I share many reasons with my peers and maybe some with Peter Pan.

But what I'm afraid of most is what I don't know about being an adult

I know about the responsibilities and independence that come with growing up.

I know the fears adults face, usually surrounding finances.

But what do I not know?

As a kid and teen, the struggles I am currently facing in my early 20s were inconceivable.

The changes in relationship dynamics

The physical pain that elders dismiss.

The depression that comes with adult birthdays.

The agony that comes with losing loved ones.

All these things never crossed my mind growing up.

So what lies ahead for me that my brain can't even conjure at this moment?