Chapter2 You Belong Here

For the first time I saw a world I'd never known So many people, I wasn't used to not being alone Every single face around me felt a little strange I couldn't move, I stayed right there, out of my range It was scary, yeah, and that was okay You just didn't know yet, that was okay You didn't have to force a smile back then Just being you was always enough, even then "Let's play together" — a hand reached out for mine Hey, am I really going to be fine? Is it okay for me to stay? You're okay, you belong right here with me You don't have to smile perfectly It's scary, yeah, it's scary, I know But I'm here with you, you're not alone Don't you shiver on your own I'll catch you just the way you are, come on For the first time I felt feelings I had never felt So many feelings from so many people dealt Each one of them pierced through me like a blade And my legs just froze, I stood there, afraid Before I knew it I was standing all alone That hand that reached for mine had let go, I'd been on my own Just to fit in somewhere in the crowd I put on a smile even if it wasn't real, even if it was loud Hey, is this really okay? Is this the right way? Yes, it is — you did so well Trying to stay there, you were stronger than you'll tell I can't remember what came after that All I feel is this tightness pulling me back Why am I the only one this scared inside? Why does nobody seem to notice what I hide? You're okay, the me from that distant day We've finally found each other here today It was scary, yeah, it was so scary, I know I've always been with you wherever you go Don't you shiver on your own Let's give praise to the self that learned to smile and grow To the me who trembled alone at the edge of the room The me of today reaches out through the gloom The moment that hand was taken, held on tight A single small flame lit up inside, burning bright