Ficlets

I'll Smile for You

I’ll smile for you, because I know it’s what you want to see. I’ll smile for you, because I know I’m your constant. I know that if I break down, everything you thought you knew would unfold, and there I would be, at the center of it.

My lips are curved upwards, my eyes have a bit of sparkle. I hope you’re happy. I’m keeping up this mask for you. I’ve brushed every hair into perfect alignment, I’ve straightened my dress. I could win an award for the best actress.

I hope you’re happy, because this costume is just for you. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t wear it for a moment. I’d strip it off, exposing what’s really inside.

I’ll smile for you, because I know it’s what you want to see. But I want you to know that inside, I’m crying.

View this story's 4 comments.