Just another day

Circles under my eyes,

Brittle eyelashes wet with tears,

Pale cheeks...bruised lips...vacant heart.

Replacements

Because she could not face work today Patricia sent Margaret instead. She watched Margaret get dressed, comb her hair, look for the car keys.  They rode in silence. There was nothing to say.

In Court, Patricia watched Margaret greet the client, approach the bench, talk to the Judge, make notes in the folder. During a break, they went to the Ladies Room together. Margaret tried to speak but Patricia panicked and covered her ears. "Don't!" she whispered. "Not now!" Margaret sighed and went out to resume the case.

It felt awkard riding back home. They were quiet but their thoughts crowded the car making the air stuffy and stale. Patricia rolled down the windows and when they arrived, they both had ice on their hair.

Next morning Patricia knew she could not face work and she tried to decide who could replace her... Margaret? Susan? Jane? No, she thought, today I'll send Valerie.