Hi, 

You may not notice me.

I’ve been eating my lunches in the big bathroom stall, mostly because it provides more space than the other stalls.

I’ve been daydreaming quietly, looking out the window on the bus ride to school. 

I’ve been sitting patiently, noticing all the couples hand in hand, seeming so happy.

I’ve been studying again in the library for that test again, this time on another mind-numbing unit.

I’ve been writing notes until my hand goes numb, because my mom always told me my grades were the most important thing.

I’ve observed you for quite some time. And I see we both come from the same place. We both are confused and lost and trying to make ends meet.

So Hi. 

You may not know my name, or what I do on my Friday nights or what I stay up until 3 a.m. pondering about.

But I notice you. Between third and fourth period, you always seemed lonely walking to class by yourself. 

And that time you got your math test back? Yeah, I noticed how you tried to hold back the tears.

I’ve been crying too. During the day, I do it mostly in my head. But at night, I can breathe and let it all out.

I’ve been writing poems and fancy letters to myself for quite sometime now.

I guess you can say I’ve been trying to feel less lonely, but more alone.

I’ve been staying up past midnight trying to understand a concept in math we learned yesterday.

I’ve been drowning my frustrations in the bands I dream to see live.

I’ve been collapsing in my bed, wondering how I get by.

I’ve been staring at my ceiling for quite some time now, and I guess you can say these tears come easy.

Because I exist.

I wish you will notice me like I notice you. 

I notice how lonely you are, even when you’re not alone. 

And I’m sure you’re up in your own bed, staring at your own ceiling, which leads out into the same sky we both see out our windows.

And I’m sure you don’t notice that you’re not the only one who feels this emptiness in these darker hours. 

Just like you don’t notice me. 

But I want you to know I notice you, so you can get by another night.

So hi.

You exist.

I exist. 

We exist.

And guess what? You’re not alone.