Prompt: Family is always important, so what happens when you see one of your family members lose hope because of a disability.

***
It turned very quiet next door,
my sister does not talk anymore.
Sometimes, I hear suppressed sobs,
when asked about it, she just nods.

It is very loud next door,
my sister laughs more and more.
Today, I hear her dance around,
loud music, singing, new energy found.

It is quiet again next door,
worried I knock, not wanting to bore.
I see her sit on her bed, looking down,
lost in thought and on her own.

"Why can't I be normal and balanced?
These mood swings, my lack of talents.
Who is going to like me like this?
Can't stand myself, nothing I'd miss."

A hug as I sit down next to her,
take out a picture and whisper,
"I love you and won't ever stop.
Let's go to your favorite spot."

Together, we leave our shared flat.
My attention is on her red hat.
We take challenges step by step.
Love, no matter how hard times get.

A year later and with therapy,
BPD, depression and anxiety
are still there but more manageable,
she sees new sides of what she's able.

I learned to communicate boundaries,
not to feel bad about my own needs.
I learned to listen and ask for help,
when it's overwhelm, I felt.

In a support group, I met other families,
who know the struggle and agonies.
Our sibling bond is stronger than ever,
as we master challenges together.

***
235 words

Copyright © norafelane 2024-2025

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Update:
🥇March 23, 2024: This entry received a "special mention" from @justwriteit for the #JustWriteCollabs!