even after all the disrespect, i was still kind. i still chose to be calm, speak gently, and carry myself with respect. not because i was weak, but because i refused to become like the people who hurt me. i could've matched the energy, said cruel things, and made everything worse, but i didn't. that says more about me than it ever will about them. some people will never understand how patient i was with them. but i know i handled it the right way. and if being kind was the last thing i gave, at least i can leave knowing i never lost myself.