The Reason Behind “Held Light, Held Close”

It’s been a while since I’ve written a story.

I was busy criticizing myself and turned to poetry instead, where I felt safe—able to express myself, even if sorting my feelings was hard. I was loud in the quietest ways.

What She Built In Silence began as a high school story—raw, unapologetic, and hopeful. I miss that energy. Now in my 30s, I’m physically and emotionally exhausted. Scoliosis treatment is a struggle. Therapy means years of patching up, changing patterns, healing, and lots of crying.

So, when you read the story, you might sense my journey in every word.

There will be critics. But don’t worry—I’m my harshest critic.
There may be praise, but I’ll likely be too stunned to react.

But most importantly, I’m letting myself move from hesitation to grace, giving myself permission to write stories again.

There will be flaws, and I won’t hide from them. It’s about being brave and moving forward.

I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoy writing it.