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.
A close friend of mine found out several weeks ago that she has cancer. One of the first things she told me was that every detail seems so important. I think the length and simplicity of this piece is wonderful. You stressed the importance of details then followed through without overdoing it; Succinctly describing how her bathroom ritual has been changed by her recent events while setting a tone of resignation. Very well done.
Honest, concise and hit the mark! Love it. Being a cancer survivor myself, I really can relate this.
see mine :
http://anandserpi.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/my-beloved/
Hi Jerald, your story encapsulates that crystal moment when all lies are shed and you are left with the pure essence of truth and reality. You wasted not a word, each chosen as an exquisite jewel in your literary bouquet. It was breathtaking. thank you for sharing it.
My FF for other visitors can be found here
http://annieevett.blogspot.com/2009/06/your-essence.html