Jasmine's Place Issue No. 2 - November/December 2012 | Page 26

INSPIRATIONAL Lily Rose Photo: Bejewelled by AussieGall http://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiegall/2194686340/ Norma looked at her reflection in the mirror. It had been another long night. Her face was puffy and blotched from crying herself to sleep again. Reaching for her makeup, she began to apply the white cream with experience. She knew how to cover the pain. A loud knock on her dressing room door announced the timekeeper, “Hurry up, the audience is getting restless.“ She finished painting on the big red smile on her lips and cheeks. Taking strides toward the stage, she knew it was time to perform. With a deep breath, she spoke a silent prayer, “Why did I, God? Why did I? Please help me…” Alone on the stage among people she did not know, she danced. They shouted. She swirled. They clapped. She hopped. They hooted. She preened. They whistled. She could still see her mom’s distraught face on that final day. JASMINE'S PLACE 26 26