Make-Up

He made her feel beautiful when she wore no make-up and yoga pants. She put her eyeliner and mascara away and for the first time in her life didn't even miss them.

But now, she's alone and feels like there is no beauty left. Bright red lipstick, blush, and cat-eyes are all she has now as she tries desperately to feel pretty again.

She goes about her day with a smile, and even her boss says she is beautiful, but the words are as hollow as the emptiness within her soul. If she could cry out inside, there would be an echo.

"No more happy thoughts... Lost..." are the words from some childhood movie that play over and over in her head as she comes home from yet another day. She sits on the floor in a dark room and cries bitterly.

Trained by so many directors and dance instructors, few have ever really seen her this way. She shares the only way she knows how: with her words, her pencil, her computer.

If only she could share with the one person she wants. If only she could reach out to the one who once made her feel beautiful.

Now, so many colors of make-up run down her cheeks. Clean it up, honey. Tomorrow you must face The world again. And someday it will all be better, but today is not that day.