Looking back in the mirror [short, nonfiction piece]

Originally written for a class assignment, May 5, 2021

Looking back at the mirror, I practice different expressions, memorising how they feel on my face. Someone told me I was unreadable, another that I look scary. I would like to compose myself, as one composes a speech.

There’s a sharp stench coming from the pile of clothes and damp towels my sister has left in our shared bathroom. I think to myself that it’s not my responsibility to tell her to get her act together, and that no one else will. Not for a while at least.

My eyes are pale in colour, one looks just a little bit greener than the other, but no one who has ever gotten close to them has noticed. I have nice eyebrows, or so I’ve been told. My mouth is stocky and colourful, I’ve been told that when I’m talking my lips are interesting to stare at.

Right now I’m thinking about how I would write a realistic highschool story with a happy ending. I would make my protagonist grow into an environment with new people who he can make happy memories with. I tell myself that sometimes a change in environment may be the only happy ending some people ever get. Perhaps that could be my story.

© schepper wubs