Probably needed a hug, but I was the daughter who wiped her own tears and kept going like I was fine. I had no choice but to be strong. So I stayed quiet about the things that hurt me. I learned how to smile even when my heart felt heavy. I kept telling myself that I would get through it somehow, even on days when I felt tired of carrying everything alone. Sometimes, I just wanted someone to notice that I wasn't okay without me having to explain it. But instead of breaking down, I kept moving forward because life didn't stop for my pain. Maybe that strength saved me, but truthfully, there were moments when I didn't want to be the strong daughter anymore.