Stairway to You❤️

Irene's morning began, as most did, with Kiki's incessant screams.

"Ireneeeeeeeeee WAKE UP!! It's already 10:00 am. Don't we have class at 11:30?" Kiki's voice cut through the last vestiges of sleep, a familiar, unwelcome alarm.

Irene groaned, pulling her pillow over her head. "10 more minutes please," she mumbled, eyes still stubbornly shut. The thought of college, of getting up and rushing, was an unbearable weight.

"No we are already late for college," Kiki insisted, her voice edged with worry.

"No you go first. I'll be coming." Irene hoped Kiki would give up, but her roommate was relentless. A pillow landed squarely on Irene's face, jolting her awake. Too much. She retaliated, launching the pillow back, sending Kiki sprawling to the floor.

"Hahahaha Clumsy you," Irene pinched her friend, a small victory. Kiki, however, wasn't one to be defeated easily, immediately pouncing on Irene, a playful struggle ensuing. Later, as Irene stood before the mirror, the morning's joviality faded. Pimples, dark circles—she sighed, a familiar wave of insecurity washing over her. How could she ever find a boyfriend, let alone get married, looking like this?