August 19, 2022 / 2 Minute Read

the mask

I started off with my normal routine. 

Wake up, workout, shower, breakfast.

I was halfway out the driveway when I realized I forgot something.

No, not just something…

Everything.

The mask.

I scurried back into the house. 

It was in its usual spot. 

I made some quick adjustments.

Slightly raising the eyebrows and twisting the smile into a warm grin.

Emitting an aura of openness and compassion. 

Perfect. 

Can’t leave without it.

I resumed my mission.

Things went as planned. 

Singing, sermon, singing, sermon. 

As the service dragged on, my eyelids grew heavy.

It began to slip.

The warm grin sank into an indifferent frown of boredom and angst.

I quickly adjusted it again.

Praying that no one saw… 

The mask.

On the way home I got stuck in traffic. 

It was slipping again.

My eyebrows furrowed, and the warm grin regressed into a full fledged scowl.

This time I didn’t care.

I was alone. 

And there was no one to see… 

The mask. 

Finally, I made it back home.

I don’t need it when I’m alone. 

I slowly peeled it off.

The mask. 

I was free.

But I wasn’t.

Ping Ping

A text from “Freaky Francine.”

“Hey… do you want to come over tonight?” 

I sat still for a moment. 

Staring at the screen.

Nearly Convincing myself that I was actually considering declining. 

Acting as if there was a shred of doubt in my mind.

As if I had a choice…

I grabbed my keys and headed towards the door.

Silly me.

I almost forgot it again.

The Mask.

I returned.

This time raising the cheekbones, and incorporating a subtle lip bite. 

Adjusting the eyes into a seductive gaze.

Perfect.

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like without it…

But I know deep down …

Can’t leave without it.

Can’t leave without it.

The mask.