DANGER

HAZEL -

The despondency of the severest kind takes root ever stronger with each step I descend. Misery has engulfed me in the far recesses of my mind, expanding with each breath I inhale. Last year this time around, you lived a conventional life, as an ordinary teenager.

"Hazel!"

I glance away from my shoes, only to spot Beverly and Serge ascending the foyer stairwell in my direction. Faces brimming with genuine concern.

No, please don't keep asking me the same questions, she will see and she will ruin my reputation further, she will not hesitate... it's what she always says.

They halt below me a step and Bev begins. "It's over a week since we've been seeing you in a depressed state. It's as if by removing your headscarf you have also lost your normal self."

That's because I have indeed lost my normal self...

"Yes, what's going on?" Serge pipes in expectantly. "As we've said before, tell us what's bothering you."

"I told you I'm fine, please just don't ask me such questions," I utter