By L. Penny, villians@hotmail.com
Date: 31 March 1998

Smile.

Be yourself, he said.
Smile.

What the hell is that?
How can I be myself AND smile?
Does he know me at all?

You'll win them over, he said.
Just keep telling yourself you're good enough.
Convince them.

Lie to them, you mean.

I know you can do it.

And he smiles at me.
And kisses me.

I know him.