APPEARANCE

Children are ruthless.

When I returned to the privacy of my own bedroom, I settled onto my futon, reading the notes that the precious demons left me. Some of the notes shared the same handwriting, and I figured either Lana was putting in some of her own thoughts, or she was writing for those who couldn’t. There were some actually written by children. I could tell by the bad penmanship and lack of grammar or spelling.

At first, it was simple things; things I already knew.

For example, you should talk louder, you should stand taller. Then they dug deeper.

You should do your hair differently.

You should wear make-up.

You should dress like a princess.

Those comments and suggestions still didn’t stand a chance against a few others.

You should stop looking at Ms. Lana for help.

You looked confused.

Then there were some that seemed to be just commentary, or questions.

Where are your muscles?

You should dress like a superhero.

I think you should be taller.

You should brush your t