The Face Beneath the Mask Is Enough

The conversation ended ten minutes ago, but your mind is still rehearsing every line you wish you hadn't said. You smiled when they needed you to smile.

You nodded at the right moments. But inside, you were counting the seconds until the door closed so you could finally drop the act and breathe.

It is exhausting to be a performance for the people you love most. But there is a part of you that did not have to perform today.

A part that was never wearing the mask. The light does not need you to be impressive to recognize you.

It sees the exhaustion behind the eyes and calls it holy. You do not have to earn your place in the room by being interesting or strong.

You are already known. The mask was for them.

The face beneath it is for God. And that face is enough.