She runs in choking,
holding in her tears, plugging
her eyes with her sleeve
so the waterfall won’t cascade down her cheeks
and ruin her makeup.

Is she alone?
She checks the stalls for feet-
a sigh of relief,
so she doesn’t have to pretend
to be washing her hands as her heart breaks.

She grabs at the sink,
supporting her weight as she
tries not to fall down.
A sturdy hand
to make her feel less alone.

Looking in the mirror-
Why? Why me? Why now?
She watches the tears spill down her
cheeks, red with emotion.
Fiery, like her mother’s eyes.

Letting out a sob- just one-
just to pacify
her aching heart, her
stinging skin. She stares at her
reflection-tired.

Imagining them all looking at her,
imagining him looking at her.
So tired of everyone looking at her.
She’s so tired.
Her face hardens with her heart-

A splash of water-
so much for the makeup-
a slap of the face,
a shaking breath as she leaves
the bathroom.