The Hated

I convinced myself that my everyone hates me. That my parents only see me as someone taking up space because I'm an unmotivated and tired teen. That my friends only tolerate me out of some bullshit moral obligation.

I didn't show it, of course. I kept my mouth shut, I smiled and laughed along. I hung out with them just enough they couldn't see anything was wrong.

I understand this is not true. My friends do care about me, and my parents have no true malicious intent behind their words.

But somedays, some moments, I still believe the lie.