PRIDE, HURT, PAIN, FEAR...usually such small words, now given a thunderous voice. Trapped in a closed, dark, box not knowing which way is up from down. You hear the sounds of life by passers by outside but no one notices you from the crowd. A small voice yelling, screaming, pleading for help from inside--to small to be heard muffled by your own fear and pride. The same fear and pride that causes you to hide when a curious by-stander stoops down and notices your muffled cries. PRIDE smothers the words that you've been "living" to say, FEAR gently rocks you while PAIN consoles the tears away, and HURT reminds you that they'll never really understand anyway. A simple, "I'm O.K." is all you are ever persuaded to say...
