--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Stella says when we were kids and things…" description: "\"“Stella says when we were kids and things got bad she would go outside herself. She said she would be in a spot near the ceiling in the corner of the r..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ecc/catherine-ryan-hyde-2597_feels_stella-says-when-we-were-kids-and-things_1688292.png" --- # Stella says when we were kids and things got bad she would… ![“Stella says when we were kids and things got bad she would go outside herself. She said she would be in a spot near the ceiling in the corner of the room. Watching. Like everything was happening to somebody else. Like you watch a movie on a screen. Not me. I tuck in. I go into an even deeper place…” quote by Catherine Ryan Hyde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ecc/catherine-ryan-hyde-2597_feels_stella-says-when-we-were-kids-and-things_1688292.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ecc/catherine-ryan-hyde-2597_feels_stella-says-when-we-were-kids-and-things_1688292.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ecc/catherine-ryan-hyde-2597_feels_stella-says-when-we-were-kids-and-things_1688292.png) > ““Stella says when we were kids and things got bad she would go outside herself. She said she would be in a spot near the ceiling in the corner of the room. Watching. Like everything was happening to somebody else. Like you watch a movie on a screen. Not me. I tuck in. I go into an even deeper place in myself. And I pull the covers in over me. And then I dare you to find me. You have to find me to touch me or hurt me. At least, the part of me that really counts. I go inside and just hold very still. And part of me feels dead. Like it doesn't matter. Whatever it is. It just doesn't matter.”” [Catherine Ryan Hyde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-ryan-hyde/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Retreating into inner silence can protect vulnerable parts of ourselves, but may also isolate us. **In simple terms:** Quiet introspection shields and separates. Key Takeaway Balance solitude with connection. Themes vulnerability self‑protection inner world Mood reflective somber Type psychological emotional When to use this quote - stressful family situations - personal trauma - mental health coping - creative writing Key Concepts Dissociation self‑care emotional safety Questions to Reflect On - When does withdrawing become harmful? - How can you safely share your inner self? 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She said she would be in a spot near the ceiling in the corner of the room. Watching. Like everything was happening to somebody else. Like you watch a movie on a screen. Not me. I tuck in. I go into an even deeper place in myself. And I pull the covers in over me. And then I dare you to find me. You have to find me to touch me or hurt me. At least, the part of me that really counts. I go inside and just hold very still. And part of me feels dead. Like it doesn't matter. Whatever it is. 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