She learned early on that showing weakness meant nothing but disappointment. So she never did. She stood tall, even when her legs ached. She fought, even when she was exhausted. Because no one was coming to save her.

She watched others lean on friends, break down in safe arms, and be lifted when they fell. But not her. She had no safety net, no outstretched hands, no place to collapse. If she stumbled, she had to catch herself. If she broke, she had to pick up the pieces alone.

So she built walls. Not to keep people out, but to keep herself from hoping. Because hope was dangerous. Hope made her think that maybe, just maybe, someone would stay.

But no one did.

So she stood alone. She fought alone. And she convinced herself she was okay with that. Because she had no other choice.