Echo

‘Dear Diary, I exhaust myself.’

There’s nothing lonelier than when caring is one-sided; pouring energy into a void until there’s nothing left.

My heart went from feeling full and lucky to unpicking stitches, scrutinising the details, and bleeding out; I might have stitched in an echo; must stop trying to be everyone’s safe place. I don’t know that’s what I’m doing until I’m alone, and it really starts to hurt — by then it’s too late. Or maybe I do know, saw it coming. This time, I definite...