Beauty mask

The chapter begins with Mariana remembering her childhood, where she was always considered "ugly" by social standards. Since she was young, she has been the target of bullying by her classmates, who call her a "monster" and an "ugly duckling". Mariana develops a passion for comics and music, using these hobbies as a way to escape the cruel reality. At school, Mariana constantly faces bullying. In one particularly heartbreaking scene, she is mocked in front of the entire class, and a video of her crying goes viral. Unable to bear it any longer, Mariana decides not to return to school, and her family, despite being worried, does not know how to help her. Desperate to change her situation, Mariana starts watching makeup tutorials on the internet. Initially, her efforts are clumsy, but she doesn't give up. After a lot of practice, she manages to completely transform her appearance, learning to hide her "imperfections" and highlight her strengths. This transformation gives you new confidence. Due to her family's financial problems, Mariana is transferred to Escola Secundária Estrela do Mar. Anxious and nervous, she starts her first day at the new school with her "new" appearance. Upon entering the school, she is immediately noticed for her beauty and receives admiring looks, a shocking contrast to her previous experience. At school, Mariana meets several new characters. She comes across Lucas, a handsome and reserved student, who appears to have a cold and distant attitude. Lucas is very popular with the students, but he keeps everyone at a distance. She also meets Sofia, a beautiful and intelligent girl who becomes her friend. Sofia appears to be genuine and kind, offering help and advice to Mariana. Furthermore, Mariana meets Henrique, a bad boy with a rebellious personality and a mysterious past with Lucas. Mariana quickly adapts to her new life at Escola Secundária Estrela do Mar. She participates in classes with enthusiasm and makes new friends, enjoying the acceptance that makeup gives her. However, she lives in constant fear that someone will discover her true face. Mariana has several interactions with Lucas throughout the day. In one of them, Lucas helps her avoid an embarrassing incident in front of the other students, showing a kind side despite his cold facade. Mariana begins to feel intrigued by him, although she is still unsure about her own emotions. At night, Mariana decides to go to a comic book store that she regularly frequents, one of her favorite haunts. Without makeup, she feels more comfortable and safe in this environment. However, to her dismay, she finds Lucas in the store. She tries to hide her face, but Lucas recognizes her and approaches her. Surprisingly, Lucas acts normal and doesn't mention anything about her appearance. He even shares some common interests, talking about comics and music. Mariana is relieved, but also confused by Lucas's indifferent reaction. Mariana reflected on her experience. She feels a mixture of relief and apprehension. Makeup has given her a new life, but she knows she's living a lie. Mariana wonders if anyone, one day, will be able to see and accept her for who she really is, without the mask she created with so much dedication.