I Let the Message Sit Unanswered for an Hour

Dear Delyara, The message was from someone who often reaches out only when they need something emotional from me — advice, steadiness, comfort, the usual role I have too often played with too little complaint until now. I saw it. I read it. I did not answer immediately. Not because I was punishing them. Because I was tired, and I am starting to realise that being a good person does not require instant emotional availability every time somebody else opens a door into my day. That hour felt guilty. And clean. And necessary. By the time I answered, I sounded like myself again, not like a resentful version of generosity. I think that matters.