The quiet kid grew up. Different city,different room. Funny how an old classroom Can still follow you. I learned to enter softly, Choose the chair beside the wall. Read the faces before speaking, Keep my answers short and small. No one here has ever mocked me, No one knows the names they used. Still my body knows the warning Before there's anything to lose. Years can change the people, Change the street,the clothes,the view. But sometimes growing older Doesn't silence what you knew. The quiet kid grew up, But she still expects the room to turn. Still waits for someone's laughter, Still remembers how it burned. But this isn't that old classroom, And these faces aren't the same. I can choose who stands beside me. I don't have to live afraid. Now I know I can walk away When someone crosses every line. I can leave a table calmly. I can say,"That wasn't kind." I can choose the ones who listen, Keep the ones who let me breathe. Being careful isn't weakness, But I don't have to always leave. Not every hand will push me. Not every smile conceals a blade. I can keep the lessons with me Without living in yesterday. The quiet kid grew up, And she's learning how to stay. Learning not to read rejection Into everything they say. This isn't that old classroom. I have choices now,I know. I can open one small window Without opening every door. If you still become that child When a room gets loud behind you, Don't be ashamed of the reflex. It once knew how to protect you. But look around before you run. Ask yourself what's really true. Maybe nobody here is laughing. Maybe someone wants to know you. The quiet kid grew up, And she doesn't have to hide. She can speak without permission. She can choose who's by her side. The past can keep its memories, But it doesn't own this room. I am older,I am stronger, And I'm finally making room. The quiet kid grew up. She's still quiet sometimes. But now, it's her choice.
