• She steps out,
    shadows wrapping her fingers around her
    shielding her from blank stares
    where hollowness already ached deep inside.
    Lifting her hand,
    She brushes her hair carefully, out of her damp eyes
    pulling her chin up
    showing a glistening that trailed down her cheeks.
    The bystanders glance towards her
    offering no sympathy.

    She tried breathing, but choked
    her emotions strangling her.
    slowly she ripped off her sleeves
    unconcealing soaked bandages.
    She peeled them off
    uncaring who'd see.

    They all just stared, muttering among themselves
    as the red droplets fell from her fingertips
    trailing like roadmaps all over her arms.
    Defeated, she placed a perfect mask
    over her tear-stained face
    and wrapped her bloodied arms inside her body
    only to pull out an unmuddied pair.
    Dead and alone
    She braced herself as the crowds rushed over.

    They asked for her unfailing kindness
    They craved for her unfaltering words
    They depended on her unjudging support.

    She cringed slightly
    Only to deliver everything they wanted
    without hesitation

    She did this because they all called her their friend