What Do I Say

 ‘What Do I Say’ explores the emotional impact of a parent’s cancer diagnosis on teenagers, focusing on the often-silent responses shaped by shock, fear, and emotional overload. The narrative is based on the artist’s personal experience: a delayed emotional response to her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis during adolescence, and the eventual reconnection that came through writing.

Research shows that teens often withdraw in such situations because they are overwhelmed, leaving emotional conversations unspoken. The family journal offers a gentle alternative to verbal dialogue. It provides a shared space where family members can express their thoughts, fears, and support through writing, helping to maintain emotional connection during challenging times.

The project invites reflection on nonverbal communication, intergenerational understanding, and the healing potential of shared storytelling in the aftermath of illness. It transforms silence into a bridge for understanding and connection.