Falling Apart (Don't Read in the Closet Events)

Dear Author,
He thinks I’m perfect.
I can’t let him see the truth…
…that I’m broken inside
…damaged.
I’d rather he love only a part of me
Than have him leave if he knew the whole.
But the longer I hide the darkness
The faster I fall apart…

Photo Description:
Picture 1: A young man leans his head on his hand. His dark hair spills over his fingers and onto his forehead. He is shirtless and clothed mostly in shadow. His eyes are closed and he appears to be in pain.
Picture 2: A typed note saying “Will you still love me when I fall apart?” with the last word tumbling down the page.
Picture 3: A light-haired man with strong arms is wrapped around the back of a dark-haired man. They are seated in a shroud of darkness, which makes the contrast between their light and dark hair all the more apparent.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's " Love Has No Boundaries " event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.