"You aren't the only one going through a lot, others are going through worse".

She had heard this sentence countless times and it had shapened her to bear all life's weights alone without involving any soul. It was meant to make her stronger, it was meant to thicken her skin and build her to be independent. 

But all that works for Jill might'nt work for Jane.  

Soon, life's unfairness hit her, she was pained, she became overly worried and whenever she tries to share her pains, she remembered that sentence she was once told, "You aren't the only one going through a lot, others are going through worse".

Her worries clustered up in her, causing a fog of gloominess, she held the pain in her heart for too long. 

Her countenance went darker, more darker and even when she desperately needed succour, she remembered the sentence again and swallowed her pain.

Her heart got heavy from all the weight she tried  bearing alone, she was vanishing into thin air and none noticed for her feigned smiles covered the full face,  all these she did so she wouldn't be accused of craving pity or attention.

Now, all we have of her are memories, memories of laughter's that weren't real, memories of what we thought was joyfulness but wasn't, just a means to clear up the gloom her intents pushed out.

And whenever I pass by 3rd Mainland Bridge, Lagos, I'm filled with regrets and sometimes wish a person saw Joyce before she drowned herself. I wish I wrote to Joyce what I'm about to write now;

"When you feel you can handle the weight no more, share the load, this will keep you from drowning, a helping hand and a listening ear is never far away".