her mind is a black hole
void of positive thoughts
she overthinks every decision
replays memories over and over
until she breaks down
and gasps for air
like there's none left in her bedroom

this happens once a night, every night
this madness, this episode, this panic, this destruction
but when the sun comes up
she looks for the mask
kept under her pillow like quarters for the tooth fairy
she puts on the mask, after she puts on makeup

the mask comes complete with a smile
comes with the happiest ****** expression imaginable
but under the mask is a frown
that would make the saddest clown shed tears
but she doesn't want her family to know
doesn't want her friends to know
how broken she is deep down inside

so she puts on the mask every morning
so no one asks questions
so no one knows