I have always been an extremely walled-off person.

I decided to give taking them down a shot.

I regret that decision.

Summon the builders, for up they go, again.

The words of others serve as the mortar,

their actions, the bricks.

Back to being an enigma.

Back to mistrust.

Back to hermitage, physical or emotional.

I will throw myself into my work, my schoolwork, my art, books.

I will pretend that those are enough for distraction and contentment.

My face will bear a blank undiscernable expression.

[Is she sad?/tired?/contented? Who knows?]

My words will resound hollow.

Understand, this is not a choice.

This is simply the nature of the beast within.

Self-preservation at its finest.

Those who avow to change it inevitably become the cause,

so please, no attempts.