but I don’t. I’ve realized that I am the only person I can depend on. I’m the only one who can provide myself with reassurance, comfort, and strength. The only shoulder I can cry on is my own. I am the only one who cares about myself enough to dry my own tears. I am my own stress reliever, my own confidant, my own friend. I support myself. Therefore, I cannot lose myself—not to love, not to hate. I’m all I’ve got.

I can’t wait for the day that I don’t have to be afraid to go out with my friends.

The day that I can go on a normal date without being paranoid the entire night.

The day that I can make a decision by myself.

The day where I don’t feel like there’s always someone somewhere watching me.

I can’t wait until I can step outside—by myself—and just breathe.