A Series of Observations

The dressing room lights exuded a heat that resembled so much the sun that when she sat in her latest costume, she thought she might melt, but felt so comfortable by its embrace. She felt the softness of the brush as it laid blush across her cheeks, and the silk-like texture of lipstick glide across her lips. 

So much had happened since she began to perform again, returning after the long break she took to regenerate and reconnect with her passion. She felt ready to go on stage and be the most honest version of herself, even if she was playing a role. There was something so comforting to be someone else for a little while. She took a deep breath as she let go of the mask of herself and hummed along to a new pop song blasting from the shared speakers. A dozen other conversations filled the already buzzing room, each person basking in the growing energy of the curtain call that they waited for each night. 

This woman stared at herself in the mirror once again, the surrounding lights banishing any shadows and causing her to wonder if she truly glowed like that while she sang. The reflection that stared back at her was done up with hair spray, jewels, false lashes and more, but she knew on stage she would portrait the type of woman every woman wished she could be, but many only dreams of. There was an ease that came with that knowing. Knowing that she was admired for who she was, even if so much was still left hidden as she acted as someone else. 

The call had come, and hands held onto each other as they walked to the stage. The darkness in preparation for the curtain to rise felt overwhelming compared to the bright lights of the dressing room, and a cool air filled the air. 

Places were set, microphones turned on, and the opening music played as a dozen more lights held the cast in that embrace of warmth once again. But now another energy charged the room, and she had yet to understand why.

Songs were sung, dances danced, and with each passing scene she felt connected to herself once again in a deep way that brought no shame, only expression. Her glance grazed the crowd in hopes to make them feel like she sang directly to them and there he was.

Middle booth, just there in plain sight. Her hips swayed to the beat of the song, and she couldn’t help but smile. Was this a happy accident? They hadn’t spoken in years, and she thought that he had long forgotten their past. 

But there he was, and he smiled back.