Morning after graduation: pink dress, crown of diamonds, and expectations.

Rituals.

Cereal before milk, skincare before makeup, appearance before identity.

Her phone buzzed: “Send the pics,” he said.

In each photo, a familiar black shadow clung behind her. Cold hands, widened pupils.

Mirror.

“You’ve changed. We’re done.”

She finally understood.

Joanna is a junior in college with a strong interest in writing. She prefers non-fiction over creative writing, enjoying the clarity, structure, and real-world impact that factual storytelling provides.