The Last Smile She Misread
Lucy Grovemom passed outmom caught me
I stood in the middle of the living room, facing the security camera's blinking red light, practicing my smile again and again.
Looking into the lens, I spoke softly, like I was leaving a message for the Mom who'd watch it someday.
"Mom, look. I practiced the perfect smile again today.
"Lift the corners of my mouth fifteen degrees and show eight teeth. The books say that's the most sincere smile. The one that makes people feel warm.
"I've practiced so much my face hurts... but that's okay.
"When you watch this tomorrow... will you tell me I did a good job?
"Will you finally believe I wasn't lying to you?"