Behind the Mask
Behind the mask is a quiet, reserved young woman who only wishes to mind her own business.
But life has placed her in a position where she must play the role of the tough one.
She has to stand strong, not for herself, but to set an example for her younger siblings.
Every day, she takes on the responsibility of guiding them, using a firm tone to keep one sibling in check, assigning chores, and teaching them the value of order.
"Fetch water, wash the dishes, clean the plates properly, use the clean water."
The instructions seem endless, and the routine, unrelenting.
But there are moments when the weight of it all overwhelms her.
She wishes for another elder figure in the house, someone who could share the load.
She dreams of a supportive family presence to help train her siblings. She feels exhausted, yearning for relief.
Yet she cannot show this fatigue.
To do so might invite disrespect or embolden a younger sibling to challenge her authority.
So, she puts on the mask of strength, even when she feels far from it.
She must also restrain herself every single day.
She holds back from reacting harshly to a step-sister who shows blatant disrespect.
She resists the temptation to lash out or to act out of frustration.
Instead, she swallows the anger, bottling it deep within.
Living under the same roof with this step-sibling tests her limits.
Every interaction demands patience, self-control, and grace.
But deep down, she knows she can only endure so much on her own.
So, she lifts a quiet prayer: God Almighty, strengthen me. Help me to carry this burden. Guide me to be the big sister they need, even when I feel like I have nothing left to give.
May she find peace.
May she find help.
May she find the strength to remove the mask one day and simply be.
