Help Me.

I have finally made it to the top after a long and grueling climb. The fresh, crisp air breathes new life into me. I can see the world through new eyes, and for the first time in a long time, things are starting to make sense.

Help me.

I feel the rocks shift beneath my feet. Panic strikes. I know what comes next, and I am powerless to stop it. I reach out in desperation for an outstretched hand, but I am alone. I have always been alone.

Help me.

Falling. Reaching out frantically for something to hold onto. I fall like a ragdoll, thrown against the rocky slope. Each strike a new wound, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within.  I am gashed and broken.

Help me.

I slam to the ground, hoping the worst is over. But the tumble has set in motion an avalanche. Each piece itself small and insignificant, working together to extinguish the light. Each piece joining forces determined to suffocate.

Help me.

Buried deep beneath the rubble, I'm powerless to dig out on my own. Once taking great pride in independence, I must now rely on others. Rely on others to notice me buried, gasping and scared. Rely on others to take the time and effort to pull me up from beneath the broken pieces of my life.

Help me.

I never believed anyone would notice the struggle, never believed I was worth saving. So long spent buried, crushed by the weight of the hurt and fear and shame, I thought it was just the way things would always be. But you changed my life.

You helped me.