She switched on the light and looked in the mirror. Not for the first time as she looked into her own eyes she was struck by how mirrors were perhaps the only thing you could rely on to never lie.
Every detail seemed so very important as she ran cold water into the porcelin bowl. The tears were gone, replaced by a simple acceptance of reality. As she brushed her teeth, she could feel the bristles penetrate her gums slightly and she spat the blood into the bowl. She stared as the spot of blood worked its way down the sink and into the drain, leaving no trace of its presence.
The doctor had given her the news and explained the options. The lump was malignant. There were treatment options, but none that were certain.
Looking back to the mirror, she winced and looked away. She took a deep breath and brought the clippers up to her scalp.
