Stephanie hugged her knees to her chest, feeling the first tear trickle down her cheek. She was glad the room was dark, that she hadn't turned on the light when she slammed the door behind her and crawled into bed. She was glad she didn't have to see the pink blanket she had wrapped around her, the pink pillow she had shoved away as she leaned her head backwards against the headrest. Taking a deep breath, she squeezed her eyes shut and struggled for control. Stay strong, Stephy, you can get through this again. Just like last time. Just like all the other times. Leaning forward, she let out a long, wobbling breath and let the blanket fall from her shoulders.

Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she got up shakily and slowly made her way to the vanity table, reaching for the light switch next to the mirror. She saw a stranger staring back at her. Her pink hair, usually flowing around her face and highlighting her delicate jawline was now plastered to the side of her face, hanging in dank strands where her tears had run down her cheeks had glued them together. Her eyes, once shining and laughing, were now red and lifeless, swollen with tears unshed. The events of the day flooded back to her, and Stephanie fell forward onto her crossed arms and let her muffled sobs float out into the house.