Everyone listened when Malik spoke.
He was the type of boy who made silence feel safe. His eyes saw through lies, his voice never shouted. When fights broke out, he was the one who stepped in. When teachers needed someone to lead, they called his name. When the others couldn't breathe, they leaned on him.
Malik held them all together — but no one held him.
They didn't see him fall asleep in the shower because it was the only time he could be alone. They didn't know about the part-time job he worked until midnight. Or the bills in his mother's drawer that he tried to pay without her knowing.
He was 17 but felt 40.
He smiled so others wouldn't worry.
He stayed strong so no one else had to break.
He never asked for help — because people like him weren't allowed to look weak.
Sometimes, he stared at his reflection and whispered:
"What if I don't want to be strong today?"
But even then, he'd pull his hoodie over his head, adjust the weight on his shoulders, and walk out like nothing hurt.
Because leaders don't get to fall apart… right?