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Dear Diary,

My dad invited his whole family to my graduation, and no one showed. I can’t say I’m surprised, though. I tried to tell him that it was pointless inviting them, since they hate me, but he refused to believe me. Even when no one showed.

My second graduation was just the same. The only difference was that it took place at night, and my mom didn’t invite her family.

I think Mom knows that people don’t like me. And I think that’s the reason why I haven’t met any of her family. As far as I know, she’s an only child, and my grandma passed away when she was born. And she never talks about my grandpa. I wonder why?

It doesn’t matter now, though. I don’t need to meet another relative who can’t stand the sight of me. Plus, I’m almost free of all my high school obligations. Almost.

We have a graduation party later tonight and my parents are encouraging me to go, but I really don’t want to. I even skipped both proms- but they don’t know that. Still, I told them I would go just to get them off my back.

My poor parents think they have a normal daughter. With friends and a healthy social life. They couldn’t be more wrong. With the relentless bullying and my efforts of trying to stay invisible being fruitless, my social life was anything but healthy.

Still, they insisted I go and I picked out a lowkey outfit. But I won’t be going to the party. I’m going to my secret spot in the forest. My safe place. The only place I can find some peace and comfort. The only place I could escape to and let my guard down.

The weeping willow that stood in solitude next to the lake. It was separated from the rest of the forest, but it stood strong, never phased by its isolation. It was a lone wolf like me. But it was stronger than me. And maybe one day I would have the same strength to spread my branches and grow as much as I want to.

Without the restriction of the forest, the tree can grow as wide and tall as it wants. Maybe I can do the same.

But right now, I take comfort in the loneliness we share. If I disappear there, will anyone even notice?

Even if they did, it wasn’t an option. I wanted to make something of myself. My parents are high ranking officers. People tremble at their feet. I wanted to be just like them. So I can’t give up. No matter how much I want to. But I know that the only way I can accomplish anything is if I leave this place.

So as much as I want to stay at the willow and live freely, I just couldn’t. For now, it’ll remain my peace. It’ll be the place I find solace when things get hard. And it’ll be my hiding place from this party.

I hope I don’t get caught. Wish me luck.

-MJ.L <3