The Day

My mother is staring at me as the makeup artist works on my face. I can see her from the mirror in front of me. The room is silent except from the noise the makeup artist makes as she drops each brush or pallet or whatever she uses. I may be looking calm but my hands are fidgeting underneath the apron placed on me to prevent me from being stained.

She is putting the final touches to my face and after this I'll be getting married to a stranger. He is still a stranger to me.

"I'm done" she brushes my face one last time and gives me a radiant smile, in return I give her a nervous one.

"Thank you" my voice is small, barely audible but she heard me. She nods her head in acceptance and appreciation of her work. She moves on to gather her makeup tools before making her way out.

Mum and I make no move to speak, we just stare at the mirror looking at each other. Consumed by our individual thoughts. She takes in a really deep breath and then exhales slowly.

" You look beautiful, my baby," she