There was a city I always wanted to leave—

a home that made me sad,

a neighborhood that kept tagging me with names,

a school that felt like hell,

and a college that brought no comfort.

All I ever wanted was fresh air—

and someone to love me.

So, I fought.

I fought for myself,

for my freedom,

and I left everything behind.

A new city welcomed me.

But I had fought so hard,

the air didn’t matter anymore.

The freedom here belongs to everyone but me.

And the urge for love… it died quietly.

Now, I’m still fighting—

fighting to keep myself safe

from people who are living a freedom
I never longed for.

Fighting because I miss the warmth of the home I once resented.
Fighting to guard myself so no one can ever come too close.

I don’t know if this is what being an adult feels like—

but if it is,

I feel you.