I’m Not a Chore

I'm trying to forget about you; the pain in your eyes when you saw me with another after I ended things. The glares you cast my way because you think I'm just another liar. The way you purposefully avoid anything to do with me now; not that I blame you that much. I never wanted to hurt you.

But in the end, I had to. Because I was tired of you hurting me and I wasn't as immune to words as I thought. I gave you my smiles and laughter, but you called them noisy. I gave you my time and effort, but you only took more. I gave my poetry - my soul - but you laughed and threw it in my face. Even my soul wasn't good enough for you. Yet as hard as I tried for you, you have the audacity to call me a chore, because my mother was dying and supporting me wasn't easy or fun.

But in the end, I don't need you. Because I'm not a chore; I never was and I will never be. I'm a human being who values herself and not only the things she can presently do, but the things she will do in the future. I am strong and resilient; I don't need you to agree with that sentiment to know that it's true. I have faced so much worse than your contempt and disdain. I will continue to face worse and overcome it.

Yes, I left abruptly and without warning, and while I regret the fact that you were hurt despite my intentions, I don't regret wanting a better and healthier situation for myself. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I'm not a chore; much less your chore.