Except.

I have a secret.

Except, it's not really a secret.

You see it. I see it. They see it.

Except, no one really notices it.

It's there in my eyes, in my soul.

Except, you aren't really looking.

There I go laughing again. I have a huge smile.

Except, I don't really feel it.

"I was climbing a tree and fell," I say. "My dog and I were playing," I say.

Except, you know that's not the truth.

There are tears in my eyes.

Except, you pretend not to see them.

There is blood on my blanket.

Except, it feels good.

I'll be fine, I say.

Except I really won't.