Exceptional for not wearing a mask Being judged by Wendy G      Sentence Contest Winner

I didn’t wear the mask. I felt nervous, almost afraid. What would everybody think? Perhaps I should have chosen another day, or stayed indoors, kept to myself, away from the judgments of others. I had always conformed, always met the expectations of others. It was a little bizarre, but wearing the mask was a strange way to feel comfortable and secure; without it I definitely felt exposed, almost naked. People seemed to be looking at me more – or was that my imagination? What were they thinking? Was I really sure about this? Or just not wanting to feel the pressure of others? Why was I always worried about what others thought? It was MY decision after all. So, could I not follow my own feelings in this matter? Must we all look the same? All of us masked? All so alike? Should I or shouldn’t I claim this personal freedom? I shrugged. If I couldn’t be true to myself now, then at what point would I have the courage to do something that I believed was okay, even if others did not? We should all be accepted for who we are, and certainly not just because we wear a mask. In theory, yes – but would this happen in real life? Should I continue with my plans for the day? Would it not be so much easier to just go home, put on the stupid mask, and then set out again? Thoughts tumbled around in my mind. Accusing, excusing, justifying, wondering, worrying …. I decided to continue. More than that, I decided I would have the courage to face each person with a smile. Some looked away. Some smiled back in understanding. Even when people wear their mask one can tell they are smiling. The eyes give it away. Always. Eyes twinkle, mask or not. Perhaps they were wishing they’d had the courage to do likewise. At the end of the day, I congratulated myself on my “victory”. Just a small victory. And only in my own eyes of course. I had done what I set out to do. I returned home, wondering if my courage would extend to doing the same thing again the following day. Yes, I would. I would be known as “the one who refuses to wear a mask”! That night, I went to my dressing table, found my make-up bag, and my lipsticks of many shades, my foundation make-ups, face powders, blushers, eyeliners, mascaras, highlighters, and even my false eyelashes. Everything went into the make-up bag, filling it to the brim. I placed it in the bottom drawer of my dressing-table and shut it firmly. I no longer would feel compelled to change my appearance with a painted mask every day for work. I would just be … ME. Will they accept me for who I am? Writing Prompt Write a story that starts with this sentence: I didn't wear the mask. Sentence Contest Winner Recognized Author Notes Many young women these days are so heavily made up that without their mask of face paint and make-up they are not even immediately recognisable. To me it shows a sense of insecurity.

© Copyright 2024. Wendy G All rights reserved. Wendy G has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.