Hamna had always been sensitive to the emotions of those around her. As a bright and compassionate 22-year-old, she had a gift for empathizing with others.
One fateful evening, while strolling through the park, Hamna met a charming stranger named Ryan. His easy smile and genuine laughter immediately drew her in.As they strolled together, sharing stories and laughter, Hamna found herself captivated by Ryan's charisma. But amidst the excitement, she began to sense a deeper sadness within him.
Curiosity got the better of her, and Hamna gently probed Ryan about his past. He shared with her the heartbreak of losing his mother a year ago and his struggles to cope.
Moved by his vulnerability, Hamna listened intently, offering words of comfort. Ryan felt seen and understood for the first time in months.As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ryan turned to Hamna and said, "You have a remarkable gift. You make me feel heard and understood."
Hamna smiled softly. "That's what friends are for," she replied.In that moment, Hamna realized she was playing with fire – tangled in a web of emotions, unsure if her feelings for Ryan were friendship or something more.
Despite her ability to empathize with others, Hamna often felt misunderstood herself. Her sensitivity and depth were frequently overlooked, leaving her feeling isolated.Ryan, now a close friend, admired Hamna's compassion but struggled to grasp her complexities. He'd say, “You're always there for me, Hamna. You're so strong.”But Hamna wasn't strong; she was fragile, carrying the weight of others' emotions while hiding her own. She longed for someone to understand her, to see beyond her caring facade.One evening, as Hamna confided in Ryan about her feelings, he listened attentively but responded with advice instead of empathy. “Just be yourself, Hamna. Don't worry about what others think.”Frustrated, Hamna realized Ryan didn't grasp the depth of her turmoil. She felt like a mirror, reflecting others' emotions while her own remained obscured.
As the firstborn, Hamna was groomed to be resilient, to shoulder responsibilities and absorb life's shocks. Her parents, though well-intentioned, unwittingly conditioned her to prioritize others' needs over her own.
From a young age, Hamna managed her siblings, mediated conflicts, and soothed her parents' worries. She became adept at:
Hiding her fears and doubts.
Shouldering burdens without complaint.
Putting others first.
This weight of responsibility molded Hamna into a caring, responsible individual. However, it also:
Silenced her emotions, making self-expression difficult.
Created a sense of isolation, as she bore the weight alone.
Made her feel like she was losing herself in the process.
Now, as an adult, Hamna struggles to reconcile her own desires with the expectations placed upon her. She feels:
Trapped between being the rock for others and pursuing her passions.Uncertain about her identity beyond her family role.
Longing for someone to understand and support her.
Ryan, though caring, doesn't fully grasp Hamna's complexities. He sees her strength, not the turmoil beneath.
One day, Hamna's childhood friend, Sophia, returns to town. Sophia remembers Hamna's carefree spirit and is determined to help her rediscover it.
Hamna will always have issues all she needs is someone to support her all through , Ryan could do better to make Hamna happy.