I stared at myself in the mirror, my hands trembling slightly as I applied the deep red lipstick. The bold color contrasted sharply with the turmoil brewing inside me. I was wearing a striking red dress, its plunging neckline unapologetically exposing my cleavage. It was the kind of dress that demanded attention, the kind that screamed power, but right now, I felt anything but powerful.
Pinakiramdaman ko ang aking sarili. This dress, this makeup—parang armor na kayang itago ang lahat ng insecurities.
Tinitigan ko ang aking repleksyon sa salamin, at ngayong nasa harap ko na ang sarili ko, ang init ng galit ay bumalik. Ang mga mata ko, malalim at matalim, tila handang makipagbakbakan—hindi na ang mga matang puno ng pag-aalinlangan, kundi mga matang naghahanda sa kung anumang laban ang kak
