Harry's house

Matilda

Nothing 'bout the way that you were treated ever seemed
Especially alarming till now
So you tie up your hair and you smile like it's no big deal

I know I'm privileged.
Well aware.
That doesn't mean
that I don't feel the same pain
as anyone else.

I've been too caught up
in misery
and uncertainty
to remember that even if
I have experiences
a lot of other people don't have
I'm not the only one.

My glass closet
is suffocating me sometimes
but we share the same closet.

I think it's tougher for you
in a way.
I'm sorry about that, love.
It's not fair.

It gets normal, you know?
Even though there's nothing
normal about it.

You had to take the hard punches.
Protecting me.
I'm sorry about that, love.
Who's protected you?

You always act like
it's no big deal.
It is, you know?
You're allowed to resent it.
Resent me.
For not protecting you as much.
I wouldn't blame you.
But please darling,
let's put the blame
where it belongs.

I met a girl yesterday.
Don't be alarmed.
Nothing like that.

It was a brief meeting
but one I will remember
for years to come.

The world has stepped on her.
Tried to hold her down
but she wouldn't let it.

A sweet girl with freckles.
Shy.
Mask on her face
in more ways than one.

She held her distance.
Made excuses for disturbing me.
I was lost in my head.
Thinking about you.

You know how we both think
that being able to be someone
people find comfort in
feels like the most important part
of our jobs?

She stumbled over her words.
One of those heartbreaking stories,
you know?
Where you just want to hug them
and never let go.
It's so hard to keep the distance.
Can't this pandemic be over soon?

She made me think of you.
Not because you have similar stories.
You have a loving family,
hers, not so much.

It was something in her eyes.
An inner strength.
She's a fighter,
just like you.

Anyway,
I just want to tell you about her.
Matilda.