"Stop. Take a breath. You're fine-"

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are. Put on your makeup, doll, part your stained lips to bear your teeth. Can't you see, dearest? It doesn't matter, the past is over. Let sleeping dogs lie. Forgive and forget, my sweet."

"But its not that easy to forgive and forget when there was never anything to forgive and the only forgotten thing is me."

"Don't be dramatic. There we are, curl your hair- don't forget the earrings!"

"Life is more than-

...No? It's not? Well, I suppose I'll play today. Where were we again? Ah yes, the earrings. Forget my anger and the crushing weights society cast onto my shoulders. At least I have my earrings."

"There we go my lovely! Now don't forget your mask, another day is all it takes. Take a breath, exhale. You're alive and kicking."

"I'll smile today, wear my mask, and dance around the others in their own masks. For now, I'll be alright. I'll have to remember to tell myself the same thing tomorrow when I don my mask."