Miriam felt a stifling heat. No, she felt like she was choking. Suddenly, every muscle in her body told her to run

Miriam stared at her reflection. It looked the same as always, pale and ordinary. She watched as tears gathered in her eyes. They streamed down her cheeks like rivers, crisscrossing on white ice. That seemed to be the only thing she was good at these days — inspecting the various formations of her tears. She wished she could have a real talent, a place where she could shine. But everything about her was so dull.

“Miriam, it’s time to go.” Her mother peered into her room. “Are you okay?”

Miriam swiped at her eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m coming.” She gave her bangs a final poof, as if that could elevate her fragile self-esteem, and followed her mother out the door.

It was a rainy night, and Miriam stared at the windshield wipers as her mother drove. Back and forth, back and forth. They swayed with such confidence and seemed to know exactly what they were doing. It made her hate them. She looked out the window instead.

“Big night for Dina,” her mother said, throwing Miriam a glance in the rearview mirror. “She’s been practicing for this dance for a long time.”

“I know,” Miriam said. She did know and she hoped her sister’s dance would be successful, she really did. She just wished she wouldn’t have to sit there and watch it.

“And how are you? This is so exciting!” A broad woman with a blonde wig embraced her mother. She looked over at Miriam. “And this must be your other daughter, Miriam. Nice to meet you! I go to the gym with your mother. I’ve heard so much about this dance, and all about your mother’s talented daughters.”

You mean daughter.

The three of them headed into the auditorium with their tickets. There was so much shoving and so much noise. Why did everybody have to yell? And honestly, what were all the smiles about? Was everybody really as excited as they looked, or were they just pretending? And more importantly, was there a single other person in the auditorium who felt as miserable as she did?