Honey had been standing in the elevator. Her reflection soft in the polished sheen of the stainless steel. In her reflection she didn’t look like some sad sap neighbor that needed coddling and careful questions by those around her. In the reflection she saw, he’d see a fairy bloom if only he wasn’t off chasing anything that had a sloppy, gaping hole to get lost in.
Vulgar thoughts were the least of her problems when the elevator finally did stop and another girl stepped in with her. It probably isn’t good manners to say aloud that Honey’s thoughts were less than kind. But right now, every woman might as well be her enemy. Any moon struck girl younger than she reminded her that she was no longer as fresh. Honey felt vulnerable like the skin on a ripe peach. Someday soon she’d be rotten.
Perhaps it was the girls sincerity that saved her from getting snapped on. Honey took in a deep calming breath and answered, “I’m afraid I’ve had some bad news. “ Said she, taking out a handkerchief from her purse and dabbing at the delicately puffed skin beneath her eyes. “I was hoping people might not notice. Is it so bad?”