Splinters

Hazel I've spent my younger years acting, safe in a world of make-believe. I learnt to transform into roles to hold onto a sense of harmony in my life. Years later, still in that moment, I am another face. Another mask. I am not me-the forgotten daughter, the quiet friend, the unrequited love. Until the pretending becomes meaningless. And my life hardens again. I'm tired of acting for my friends when my parents ignore me. I'm tired of acting for myself when I want the world to stop being so...