of course i can do it alone. i always do. i've learned how to carry pain, memories, loneliness, and responsibilities all at once. i've figured out how to solve my own problems. i answer my own questions, fight my own doubts, and comfort myself when the silence gets too loud. people call me strong like it's a gift, but they don't see that i built that strength brick by brick through every disappointment, every sleepless night, and every moment i had no one to lean on. yes, i can do it alone, but sometimes i wish i didn't always have to.