The Child I Still Protect

There is a child inside me who still listens for footsteps.

Who apologizes too quickly. Who believes love can disappear because of one mistake.

I used to be ashamed of her fear.

Now I sit beside her.

I tell her: you do not have to earn rest. You do not have to become smaller to be kept.

I cannot change what she survived.

But I can become the adult who finally protects her.