I find it difficult to catch my breath, this fills me with a sense of panic. The thought of everyone in this room witnessing my distress overwhelms me, I fear their judgment and cruel remarks. As I contemplate this painful reality, I hurriedly make my way towards the exit, desperately trying to conceal my face. I repeatedly tell myself that no one saw me, as if it could somehow alleviate the situation.

Once outside, the cold wind stings my face, and I collapse to the ground, overcome with tears. I can't help but question why I am like this. Why can't I just be like everyone else? A grey-haired man who sits next to me disturbs my train of thinking.. I wonder why he has chosen to be by my side.

“My dear, why do you wear such a heavy sadness upon your shoulders?” He gently inquired, his voice filled with concern. I averted my gaze, wondering why I felt this way. As my thoughts start to race once more, he reassured me, "Please, confide in me. I am here to listen, without any judgment." Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I made the decision to open up to him. "I just... I feel as though I am all alone in this vast world. When I look around, I see everyone else wearing smiles as bright as the sun. I long to experience that happiness, to feel the warmth of laughter, but every step I take is burdened with mental anguish. Each day, I find myself yearning to let go. All I can think about is how broken I am. I lie in bed, wishing for an end to my suffering, but it never comes. It feels as though the world has turned against me. I am left feeling utterly alone, with no one who truly cares. So, what does one do when their life holds no value?"

“My dear, I understand that you often focus on the happiness you see around you, but it's important to remember that there is pain that goes unnoticed. You may be too preoccupied with what you lack, failing to appreciate what is right in front of you. It seems that everyone in that room is truly happy but happiness is something that is shared and reciprocated. The people in that room care more about comparing their wealth to others, rather than genuinely caring about someone's happiness.” He says gently to me, calming me as he goes on, “However, let me share this with you. This is something that took me a while to realize.” He smiled “you cannot attain happiness if you do not give it! Life is not just a game; it is an adventure. Along this journey, you will encounter both hurtful and kind people. It can be scary not knowing who will hurt or save you, but it is all part of the journey and the valuable lessons you will learn.” He turns to me with a laugh before continuing “My father used to say, A dime is unwanted by someone who lays on gold. My father was a wise man. Now he lays in the clouds with the lord” he smiles looking up at the sky for a moment before looking back a me. “Sadly I must leave you here my dear. I have places to be but before I go, I want you to try finding joy in every corner you look. It will make life more bearable." He smiles warmly before returning inside the building.