Even in the quiet, Someone cares
Lester was 17 when the weight inside him became unbearable. On the outside, he laughed with friends, showed up in class, did what was expected. But inside, his chest felt heavy, like carrying stones. Nights stretched endlessly, filled with thoughts that circled in the dark with no exit.
One evening, he sat on the rooftop, staring at the night sky that felt colder than ever. The city lights below looked distant, almost mocking, as if the world kept moving while he was stuck. His chest tightened with the thought that maybe this was itโmaybe there was nothing left worth holding on to.
The silence inside him screamed louder than the traffic, louder than the beating of his own heart. He was ready to surrenderโuntil a train of thoughts broke through: the guitar he hadnโt finished learning, the coffee shop he promised to visit with a friend, the smile of his sister when he cracked a dumb joke. Small things, almost ordinaryโbut suddenly they mattered.
One thought led to another, and before he realized it, the idea of staying felt heavier than the urge to leave. For the first time in weeks, he whispered to himself, โNot tonight.โ Deep inside, he began to sense that even in the silence, Someone cared.
The next day, he sat down with a teacher he trusted and admitted, voice shaking, โIโm not okay.โ It wasnโt easyโthe words felt heavyโbut once they were out, he realized he didnโt have to carry everything alone. His teacher connected him with a counselor. Slowly, step by step, the silence inside began to loosen its grip.
Two years later, Lester is in college. He laughs with new friends over late-night coffee runs. He plays guitar at campus events. He studies subjects that once felt impossible, now fueling dreams for the future. He still has hard days, but now they come with better onesโdays filled with growth, purpose, and hope.
His story could have ended on that rooftop. Instead, it continuesโwith laughter, with purpose, with new reasons to stay. And thatโs why every September, during Suicide Prevention Month, Lester tells it againโbecause hope is real, help is real, and healing is possible.
Maybe the night sky hasnโt changedโbut Lester has. Because now, he knows Someone cares.
โ๏ธ If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. In the Philippines, call the NCMH Crisis Hotline at 1553. If youโre in another country, check your local hotlines for immediate support.
๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฑ๐๐๐ โข ๐ฝ๐บ๐๐พ๐.๐๐๐๐๐ผ.๐ป๐ ๐๐
