She has a secret
Hidden behind long sleeves,
Band-aids,
Bracelets.

Hiding behind the smile.
On the inside she's broken.
Covers her face with
a mask.

Hours spent
alone.
Tears shed.
Dark crimson streaks
cover her
pale arms.

Trees sway
Thunder cracks
Illuminating the dark
sullen household.
Pencil in hand
Teeth clenched
Breathing heavily.

She wishes
Only wishes it
wasn't this way.
It never went this way.

She sits.
She waits for
him to come back.