She Always Lies

Some people don't hide behind silence.
They hide behind a smile.

When she laughs,

It almost sounds real.

Almost.

She has learned

How to smile

At the right moments.

How to say,

"I'm okay,"

Without believing it.

Her sadness

No longer asks

To be noticed.

It simply learns

How to disappear.

Some mornings,

She stands before the mirror...

Searching

For the girl

She used to recognize.

The smile remains.

The scars don't.

And somehow...

People call that

Healing.

They say,

"You're so strong."

Because they've never seen

What strength costs.

Then someone

Looks a little longer.

Studies the smile.

The tired eyes.

The silence

Between her words.

And gently asks...

"Are you really okay?"

She smiles.

Just like always.

And quietly says,

"I'm fine."

But the saddest part is...

She always lies.