I need to be strong because my world is collapsing around me.

The people around me are ticking time bombs and I know my world can change in an instant.

Mom: brave, strong, independent, and fighting the battle against cancer

Grandma (Tete): fierce, genuine, compassionate, independent, strong but losing the battle against cancer and crumbling under the tolls from her ongoing seizures

Aunt: a kindred spirit, hard-working, determined, strong but hiding under a mask of abuse and body dysmorphia

Uncle: toxic, distant, venemous, always reaching for the bottle to calm him down

Father: nowhere to be found

"No one's going to love you Jana. Look at all the boys. They like skinny girls. Good luck finding someone to love you. You're going to spend the rest of your life alone."

I am strong. I am a survivor. The walls are crumbling around me but I won't go down.

My name is Jana.

This is my story.

I don't know how it will end but I promise you...I am strong.