Strong, Independent Woman

In a house near yours, there once lived a Strong, Independent Woman. But she was considered Too Independent, so she tried to be a little more Dependent. But then she was whipped for not being Strong Enough, so she tried to be The Strongest. And over time, her armour grew harder and her sword grew sharper. 

There came a time when The Others forgot that she was just like them: full of emotions and dreams and aspirations and fears. They forgot that she was Human. They tied her in a million different ropes, each cutting into her flesh as it pulled in a different direction. But she was not allowed to feel her bones being crushed under the weight of their Expectations. She had to Try Harder.

And one day, the ominous clouds brewing on the horizon spewed their poison. The Others saw it. 

All the fingers that had knotted the ropes now disappeared - not a single hand was raised to help contain her tears. All the words that were used to pierce through her armour - non-existent. No words came forward to welcome her shouts in their warm embrace. 

The Others watched as the storm consumed her, the tears choked her, the breath smothered her. And when her being was ravaged by the flames of her pain, leaving behind the empty shell of her armour, The Others remarked: 

'She knew the storm was coming. She should have Tried Harder.'

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This is the story of many a Strong, Independent Woman. She dies a thousand deaths each day while those who profess to care for her stand by and watch in silence; safe in the knowledge that she will pull herself out of the ashes and continue to build up the world.