Faking A Smile
I forced a smile, hiding the turmoil churning beneath the surface. “Sounds great,” I said, nodding as she moved about the kitchen. Whatever she threw my way, I caught and returned with hollow enthusiasm, sinking further into my mask. Her questions felt like a familiar rhythm I’d known for years—easy, predictable—but beneath my obedient façade, a storm rumbled, desperate to break free yet restrained only by sheer force of will.
Faking A Smile
Kids Unaware Of Tension
The kitchen felt like a revolving door with the kids coming and going—dropping in to taste-test dinner or ask a quick question. Liam asked if he could go to Joey’s after school. “Sure thing, buddy,” I said, doing my best to keep up the act. Jessica dug around for a snack, completely unaware of the turmoil raging inside me. They laughed and chatted, carrying on as if everything was normal. It was strange how life could keep moving forward, even when everything inside me felt completely upside down.
Kids Unaware Of Tension
