“ Don’t frown. Smile, people will think I am hurting you.”

So I smile.

“ don’t wear that , I know what boys think .”

So I change.

“ Don’t say anything. Just sit. “

So I smile and sit.

“ if anyone ever asks , everything is okay .”

… right. ‘ everything is ok’

“ Smile. Remember smile. People will question me, and I don’t want that .”

So I begin to remember everything I am taught.

I must be obedient. I must be modest . I must be silent. I must be perfect. I must be happy. I must be out of sight unless summoned. I must not be too pretty, not too unkempt or sloppy. I must not slouch.
I must not tempt men. I must not speak.
I must not upset the hands that care for me.
I must smile. I  must be poised and graceful.

Easy. Just smile.

No one must know.