Life with SMA

I can feel the stares, they know.

They know something is wrong.

I can see the pity in their eyes;

“She has so much potential”.

I hear myself saying

“No, I’m fine, I’m just not hungry; I ate earlier”.

I feel butterflies in my belly,

But it’s not from a crush.

The butterflies suddenly become painful,

And the room feels too exposed.

“Don’t let it show”

I tell myself.

“Please let it pass”

I plead with God.

My insides stop churning.

I heave an internal sigh of relief.

No one knows.

They didn’t see past the mask I wear.

The doctor says

“Take it one day at a time”

That’s all this is,

Just another day.