As I stand before the mirror, my reflection seems foreign, yet strangely familiar. The sleek black dress hangs on my frame, a stark contrast to the baggy and simple clothes that had become my uniform. With hesitant fingers, I adjust the straps, the fabric hugging my curves in a way that feels both empowering and unnerving. I haven't worn such a nice thing in a long time. I was too busy trying to make good home-cooked meals from scratch for Michael taking care of Mason, getting him to school and his after-school extracurricular activities. I wanted to be the perfect wife and mother that I forgot about myself.
It's been so long since I've indulged in the ritual of makeup, the colors and brushes foreign in my hands. But today, today is different. Today, I am reclaiming pieces of myself that
