I stopped speaking up for a reason. Not because I don't have words, but because I have too many, and I know what happens when I use them. Suddenly I'm "rude"" "overthinking" "too emotional" So I swallow it all. The anger. The sadness. The truth sits heavily on my tongue. I nod, I agree, let it slide, while inside I'm burning. It's not silence because I'm fine; it's silence because I'm tired of being painted the villain for being honest. People see me quiet and assume I'm okay. They don't realize it's restraint, not peace. I don't stay silent because it doesn't matter. I stay silent because the moment I speak, I become the problem.