<p><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">My name is Zali, and this is my story. Growing up, my mom was my everything. She worked tirelessly to provide for me, sacrificing her own dreams so I could have a better life. I remember the countless nights she'd stay up late, sewing clothes for us to wear, and the early mornings she'd wake up to prepare breakfast before school.</span><br></p><p><br></p><p>I loved my mom with all my heart, and I knew she loved me just the same. But life had other plans. I grew up too fast, both mentally and physically. I faced challenges that no child should ever have to face, and I was left to navigate them on my own.</p><p><br></p><p>The abuse I suffered at a young age left me shattered. I couldn't trust anyone, not even my mom. I began to push her away, and I hated her for not being able to protect me. But deep down, I knew she did the best she could with the resources she had.</p><p><br></p><p>As I grew older, I struggled to form close relationships. I expected so much from people, and when they failed to meet those expectations, I felt betrayed. I didn't know how to trust again, and I built walls around myself to protect myself from getting hurt.</p><p><br></p><p>Despite everything, my mom remained my rock. She continued to love me unconditionally, even when I pushed her away. I've come to realize that she's the only one who truly has my best interests at heart.</p><p><br></p><p>Today, I'm still figuring out who I am and what I want from life. I'm scared to trust people, but I know I need to learn to let go of my fears. I'm trying to rebuild my life, brick by brick, and learn to trust again.</p><p><br></p><p>As I stand at the threshold of adulthood, I ask myself: Can I trust anyone again? Can I let my guard down and allow someone to see the real me, flaws and all? Or will I forever be trapped in this cycle of fear and doubt?</p><p><br></p><p>I think about my childhood, about the promises I made to myself that I'd never let anyone hurt me again. But the truth is, I'm already hurt. I'm already broken. And I'm not sure if I can ever be whole again.</p><p><br></p><p>I wonder if I'll ever find a place where I can be happy, truly happy, without the weight of my past dragging me down. A place where I can be myself, without fear of judgment or rejection. A place where I can trust, without doubting.</p><p><br></p><p>As I look to the future, I'm filled with uncertainty. But I'm also filled with hope. Maybe, just maybe, I'll find my way to a place of healing and happiness. Maybe I'll learn to trust again, to love again, and to live again.</p><p><br></p><p>With every step forward, I'm trying to leave the shadows of my past behind. I'm trying to find my voice, my strength, and my purpose. I'm trying to learn to love myself, to forgive others, and to heal.</p><p><br></p><p>This journey is mine, and it's not always easy. But I'm taking it one step at a time, with courage, resilience, and determination. I'm Zali, and this is my story – a story of survival, growth, and the pursuit of happiness.</p>