“I once loved in silence.
I once hid my joy behind trembling hands.
But no longer.

Today, I stand beneath the orange blossoms, unashamed.
I lift my face to the sun, not as a secret — but as a celebration.

I am the bloom they could not burn.
I am the laughter they could not bury.
I am the love that outlived their fear.

Under these blossoms, I remember who I am:
Sacred. Whole. Worthy.

And I will never, ever hide again.”