6.Walls Between Us

[Verse 1] Family comes once a year, asks how I am like reading from a page They glance at the clock, waiting for the time to leave While I stand still right here, invisible in the frame [Verse 2] I grew up to scolding voices, daily shouts that cut and sting Told I’m stubborn, that I’m trouble, called a naughty child though I’m numb with fear Whatever I say just turns out wrong, every word another misstep [Chorus] So I got used to being misunderstood Used to judgments before I even speak Tears fall inside where no one ever sees They’ll pass, they’ll pass — I tell myself to let it be This stubborn child learns to love herself enough to carry on [Bridge] Every time they leave I secretly hope for a quiet hug instead of “sorry” But only old words that once hurt come back, so I learn to hold myself in place [Chorus] So I got used to being misunderstood Used to judgments before I even speak Tears fall inside where no one ever sees They’ll pass, they’ll pass — this naughty child will love herself enough [Verse 3] Two years passed, then suddenly another child walked in Said she was my little sibling, and I didn’t even know her name That day the house laughed loud, toys scattered across the floor I held her hand and we ran in circles — the whole world felt like ours [Chorus] That time was so short, laughter faded before I could remember From days when we were close, we drifted into separate lives Sent to grandmothers on different sides of the house A wall between us, but the distance felt like miles We grew up in rooms that belonged to someone else Still I keep the memory of the days we ran [Verse 4] As we grew, the photo frame aged, two kids in faded tees I look and quietly ask if she remembers, or if time has swallowed it whole Some nights at Grandma’s I glance at the corner where we used to scribble The old table we fought over now holds only dust and slanting sunlight [Chorus] That time was so short, laughter faded before I could remember From days when we were close, we drifted into separate lives Sent to grandmothers on different sides of the house A wall between us, but the distance felt like miles We grew up in rooms that belonged to someone else Still I keep the memory of the days we ran [Bridge] If one day we pass each other on the street, will she smile or call my name? Maybe we simply forgot one another, but in my heart I still keep her safe [Chorus — Final] That time was so short, laughter faded before I could remember From days when we were close, we drifted into separate lives Sent to grandmothers on different sides of the house A wall between us, but the distance felt like miles We grew up in worlds that belonged to other people Yet I still wait for the day we laugh together again