The Day I Looked in the Mirror and Didn’t Recognize Myself

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A silent moment. A reflection. An issue I couldn’t turn away from. This is the story of how I pulled myself together again.

I Had Been Slowly Disappearing

During a period of several months and maybe years, I revealed that something was wrong, although I could not put my finger on it. Life continued as usual, after which all days were the same, easily and quietly the mornings started, the nights were silent but slightly heavy. I smiled, but it was superficial. I crossed rooms with a lot of people, but I felt myself absolutely alone.

Whenever anyone would ask me, “How are you?” I would automatically answer: “I’m fine.” However, I wasn’t. And I felt it inside my heart.

A Stranger in the Mirror

The next day I made my way to the toilet, scrubbing my face. Frequently I pulled my head back to look at my face but something really caught my eyes.

The individual looking me in the eye appeared to be a lost acquaintance. The gaze was listless, unreadable. I came closer to the mirror. Who was here?

“I don’t know myself,” I murmured.

When did I grow so pale? When did I stop recognizing myself in the mirror?