I spent years believing that if I were better, louder, prettier, smarter, or easier to love, someone would finally see me.

So I worked harder. Achieved more. Needed less. I became the strong one. The responsible one. The one who never asked for too much. But the truth is this: A child should never have to earn visibility. A child should never have to perform for love. I was always worthy of being seen. I was always worthy of attention. Of comfort. Of protection. Of care.

Today I grieve the little girl who sat waiting for someone to turn around.