It starts in the checkout line. A casual, "How are you?" from the cashier. "I'm fine, thanks. You?" It’s tossed out while scrolling through your phone, a reflexive noise to fill the silence. But then, it happens elsewhere. It becomes the default. The answer to your partner over dinner. The text you send to your mom. The cheerful email to your colleague. “I’m fine.” Two words, so light on the tongue, yet so heavy in the soul. I don't remember the exact day "I'm fine" became a