Chapter 13

Before sleeping, most people will imagine stuff they want to happen and as for Hanna Hamilton after she is done for the day and it's time to sleep…

As Hanna Hamilton prepared to sleep, she couldn't escape the weight of her emotions.

Night after night, she found herself crying silently on her bed, trying hard to conceal her pain from everyone, including her roommate, Mia.

Unbeknownst to Hanna, Mia was well aware of her nightly tears but had chosen to feign ignorance, respecting Hanna's privacy.

In the stillness of the night, when Mia would wake up to use the restroom, she would hear Hanna's muffled cries.

It puzzled Mia, leaving her wondering what could be tormenting her roommate every single night. From Mia's perspective, Hanna appeared to have it all together and didn't seem to lack anything. She was an amazing person, talented and successful, which made the consistent sadness all the more perplexing.

However, on this particular night, Mia decided that she could no longer turn a blind eye to Hanna's pain. She didn't want to breach Hanna's trust or betray their friendship by sharing her struggles with their friends, particularly Arya, as she knew how quickly rumors could spread like a gasoline explosion throughout the school.

Hanna was a reserved individual, keeping her personal life guarded and hidden from others. This didn't mean she was unapproachable or unwilling to collaborate with Mia as her roommate. It was simply her way of protecting herself, choosing to keep her burdens to herself. Despite this, Mia truly cared for Hanna and wanted to help her in any way she could.

She had come to understand that Hanna was the type of person who kept her troubles to herself, and Mia had learned to respect that boundary.

Being roommates with Hanna had taught Mia valuable lessons, the first of which was to refrain from meddling in other people's affairs. She had learned to give people the space they needed, understanding that not everyone was comfortable sharing their deepest struggles.

Hanna's demeanor had taught Mia the importance of respecting privacy and not prying into matters that were not her own.

But now, Mia felt torn between her respect for Hanna's privacy and her genuine concern for her well-being. She couldn't bear to see her roommate suffer in silence anymore. Determined to help, Mia decided to take a different approach, one that would allow her to support Hanna without violating her trust.

The next morning, as they prepared for the day ahead, Mia approached Hanna with a warm smile. "Hey, Hanna," she said gently. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm here for you. I may not know what you're going through, but I want you to know that I care about you and I'm always here to lend an ear if you ever need someone to talk to."

Hanna looked at Mia, surprised by her words of support. She had become accustomed to keeping her pain hidden, believing that no one would understand or care enough to help. But Mia's gesture touched her deeply, and she felt a glimmer of hope that perhaps she didn't have to face her struggles alone.

Tears welled up in Hanna's eyes as she nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Mia," she whispered. "I appreciate your kindness more than you know."

While Hanna still kept her personal struggles to herself, she found solace in knowing that she had a friend who cared.

Mia continued to be there for her, and showed a gesture of offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on whenever Hanna needed it.

Being a smart cookie knowing how Mia would actually feel if she's hellbent on sharing whatever bothers her, Hanna began to open up little by little, allowing herself to share fragments of her pain with Mia.

Through their conversations, Mia came to understand the depth of Hanna's struggles, the battles she fought within herself each day. She realized that appearances could be deceiving, and even the strongest people could carry hidden burdens.

Their friendship became a sanctuary for Hanna, a safe space where she could be vulnerable and find support.

Mia, in her role as a confidante, learned the true meaning of compassion and empathy. She understood that sometimes, all someone needed was someone who would listen without judgment and offer a comforting presence.

Hanna carried a secret deep within her, one that only a select few knew about. It was this secret that caused her immense pain every night, making it difficult for her to find restful sleep.

The origin of her tears could be traced back to the day she turned twelve, a day that marked a significant shift in her mother's attention and behavior towards her.

In the early years of Hanna's life, her mother, Martha, had treated her like a precious jewel. She had been showered with affection and care, as if she were the most cherished person in Martha's world. This loving upbringing had spanned six years, and Hanna had grown accustomed to the warmth and tenderness her mother had bestowed upon her.

But as Hanna entered her preteen years, everything changed. Martha's focus shifted, and Hanna found herself subjected to mistreatment and neglect.

Suddenly, she was burdened with endless errands and heavy chores, far beyond what a child her age should have been responsible for. The change in Martha's behavior was puzzling and heartbreaking for Hanna.

The pain Hanna experienced was not solely physical; it was the emotional anguish of feeling rejected and unloved by the person she called her mother.

The verbal abuse she endured was even more devastating than the physical punishments.

Each time Martha lashed out, Hanna would plead with a voice filled with desperation, hoping to understand what she had done wrong.

"Mum, please!" Hanna would implore, her voice melting with a mixture of confusion and longing. She yearned to know why her mother suddenly saw her as a target for her anger and frustration. The absence of an explanation only deepened Hanna's pain and left her in a constant state of bewilderment.

When the years went by, the wounds inflicted by Martha's harsh words and actions continued to weigh heavily on Hanna's heart. Sleep became an elusive luxury, as each night was filled with the echoes of her mother's hurtful words.

Hanna's tears became a silent testament to the deep-seated pain she carried within her.

The isolation of her secret burden added an extra layer of complexity to Hanna's life. She felt trapped, unable to confide in others about the turmoil she faced at home.

The fear of judgment and misunderstanding kept her from seeking solace and support from friends or even trusted adults. She bore the weight of her suffering alone, longing for the love and acceptance she once enjoyed from her mother.

Hanna's strength, resilience, and determination to endure despite the pain were remarkable. She carried herself with grace, often wearing a mask to hide the turmoil within.

To the outside world, she appeared strong and capable, but inside, she carried the scars of a wounded heart.