I tried to scream but I was underwater

she found comfort in the water, yet she struggled to break free.

Growing up, I never shared my problems with anyone. They knew me as the lively, funny, cheerful lad. When others shared something about how they were feeling, yearning for someone they could run to, I always listened and was there for them. I understand how hard it is to voice uncertainty and worry; it takes a deep faith and a desire to be understood - a bravery I lacked.

Each night, I cried myself to sleep, feeling the weight of my unspoken pain. No one noticed my despair or the storms I was raging within. My agony remained unseen, and I grew accustomed to it. It felt easier to keep my pain a secret than to burden others. I wanted to speak up; I had held so much in for so long, but I didn't feel safe sharing it. So, I stayed silent.

At eleven, I began taking midnight baths. The water became my sanctuary, a place where I could unburden my soul and find peace. Often, I fell asleep in the tub, wrapped in the embrace of the water, feeling a sense of ease. One night, I submerged completely, letting the water surround me.

As I drifted into a dream, I found myself deep beneath the ocean's surface. For a moment, I felt safe and free. But soon I began to lose my breath. Panic rose as I tried to scream - I'm drowning! I couldn't hold on any longer. A wave of desperation filled me as I screamed and cried for help, and suddenly, I woke up gasping for air.

Tired and trembling, I realized I had nearly fainted underwater. My limbs felt heavy, and my heart raced in my chest, the exhaustion of keeping my struggles hidden weighing down on me. I stood up, crying, terrified that I might die. In that moment, I understood that I had been asking for help all along, hidden beneath the surface and too afraid to break the silence that bound me. I needed to let go of the burdens I had carried since I was young. The water, once my comfort, had also become a symbol of my struggle. It wasn't just a dream; it was my reality - a reality where I tried to scream for help but found myself still underwater.

Author's Note

This is the second story I've written so far, so do consider grammar errors. I'm open for criticism. I'd love to receive your views on how I could improve my writing. Thank you! :)