Irina
The corridor leading to the bathroom is quieter than the main hall of the gala. The laughter, the music, the clinking of glasses seem to come from another world as I walk away. I walk calmly, but my heart beats faster than I would like to admit. This evening is slowly consuming me. Every forced smile, every calculated look, every word spoken with care... It's a game I've never learned to play.
I find the door to one of the private bathrooms, small and secluded, and I slip into it with a sigh of relief. The air is fresh, smelling of flowers and soap, and for a moment I close my eyes, leaning against the marble sink.
My reflection in the mirror looks at me with tired eyes. The eyes of someone who feels out of place. The green dress that I liked so much now almost looks like heavy ar
