The Reactions
216 Words
Mia noticed first.
They were meeting for lunch, and Lara showed up in that same white T-shirt, her hair tied loosely, no visible makeup. She slid into the booth across from Mia, smiling like nothing was different.
Mia’s eyes widened.
“Wow… going natural today?”
Lara just shrugged, sipping her water. “Felt like it.”
The conversation drifted to work gossip and weekend plans, but Mia kept stealing glances at her, as if trying to solve a puzzle.
Later, when Lara posted a photo of her lunch — no filters, no retouching — the comments were immediate.
“You look tired, babe.”
“Where’s the glam queen?”
“Natural beauty! Love it!”
The mixed reactions didn’t surprise her, but the ones calling her “brave” felt strange. Since when was her real face an act of courage?
That evening, her mother called.
“Are you okay? Your last picture… you looked different.”
Lara laughed softly. “I’m fine, Mom. Just… not wearing makeup.”
Her mother hesitated. “Oh. Well… if that makes you happy.”
After hanging up, Lara sat by the window, watching the city lights blink on. People noticed the change. Some liked it. Some didn’t.
For the first time, their opinions didn’t feel like instructions.
- Writer
