(my entry for PandarooObscurities contest. I've read your short stories! Of course this may be cringey but what the heck right?)

You are not alone.

These words may seem like false hope, for I know you have been far too damaged and deceived, but you're not alone. Because I'm here, and I care, and you've helped.

Your words that have fallen to deaf ears, your words that fall upon blind eyes, or by those who turn their cheeks to you when you call out. Let it not discourage you, but strengthen you, for you are stronger than those who turn their backs on a desperate cry for help.

A hero will always be there for those in need, always be there to help without being told to do so, because they are naturally wholehearted and kind.

A coward runs from those in need in order to save themselves, to spare themselves the burden they refuse to carry.

I know which one you are, and so do you.

You care.

And you suffer silently without asking for help, I know you wish to help others, but sometimes the weight on your shoulders can be too much to bear. It's not bad to ask for some help, you don't have to face the catastrophe of the world alone.

I hear you.

I see you.

I feel your pain.

This pain constricting at my heart, the tightness in my chest that refuses to let me catch my breath. The closed hand around my throat that chokes me, as though threatening to end it all if I were to utter the wrong words.

Is this how you feel?

This feeling of horrific pain, like your soul is being ripped to shreds and your heart shattered to millions of pieces that cut up your insides and halts your every moment because you're afraid to break.

And yet you still hold yourself, not for your sake, but for others. Because even after all the pain you've been put through you can't find yourself to ever hate anybody. You hold no hatred, you refuse to he pitied by others, you always give without expecting to receive in return.

Knowing this has brought me so many questions.

Such as, what did we do to deserve someone so...

So kind and selfless?

You are unique, a rare breed amongst everyone else. Because you help despite the great backlash you may receive, and when you're knocked off your feet you always get back up. You are someone who never gives up, and I realize now that you do share your pain to ease yourself from it, because you hold within yourself a galaxy of emotions that swirl inside you.

Each star is a plea, cry, hiss or shout. And when there is a shooting star it shows itself and twinkles in your eyes before sliding down your cheek. And when you sob, the galaxy inside of you loses its stars. And the pain eases up a tiny bit, and the massive weight on your chest lightens some, and you are able to breathe, even if it's for a moment before you reemerge into the ocean of sorrow and despair that you have taken from others.

And you are so generous for doing so, but why is it that knowing all this causes me great pain as well?

Why do I feel like breaking down, knowing that you yourself are also desperately trying to hold yourself together?

Why am I so afraid that you might fall when you have told me that you will fly?

And suddenly I let the essence of my pain and fear slide down my face.

A tear.

Another.

And before I know it I'm crying, but I do not know why, for you have told me that it is okay to cry, because it does not mean that I am weak. And I trust you.

I really, truly do.

But why does it feel like I am too late?

How do I know that you have not already fallen?

And if you have, did you get back up?

If I am already too late then I am sorry.

Sorry that I didn't say anything.

Sorry that just now I have noticed your inner turmoil.

Sorry that I have listened without acting.

Now I wonder, just how much more pain can you sustain?

How long do you have to bear it until you finally break?

Or have you already broken?

No, I can't think that way. I must hold myself high.

And if not for myself.

Then I must,

For you.