Her blanket of curls drape lightly around her face as she carelessly handles a cigarette between red-stained lips that grip white and tan paper.
A flick of a flame grazes the tip, smoldering incandescence highlights her mouth, a shade of sun-burnt orange; the tiny lit secret sits at the ridge.
Without hesitation, she takes one long drag and emits a lifetime of fear, worry, joy, and love that settles into the nightlife. The escaping smoke coils into the air, leaving a soft haze above her head.
She knows who she is, and she knows where she is going, something the man next to her at the bus stop has not quite figured out.
Neon red brake lights play off her face as she glances towards him. Her wide eyes burn with intent, jewels of sapphire blue. The huffing bus makes its presence known, and he holds out a hand to motion for her to go first. She smiles,