Be Cute

Long, drawn out sobs escape me as I lie against the pavement in my driveway. I can't stop, no matter how hard I try. Even the honeysuckle-scented, humid air can't calm the torrent of tears.

I focus on one star and continue to shake. My eyes stay exactly where they are, and I think, maybe if I can just keep my eyes open, the tears will stop. Maybe. So I try it. It doesn't work. I can't keep them open long enough to do much of anything but focus on that star, again and again.

Then I hear it.

It almost sounds like laughter, and I think it's coming from me, but I've sat up and I'm pretty sure I'm making no sound. A gentle voice comes up behind me, as though trying to comfort me.

_Don't cry, Nikki. Crying's not cute. Be cute._

And somehow this works. The tears dry, and I'm able to get to my feet again. I doubt anyone will believe me, so I rush to the laptop to write it as fiction. At least then I'll be heard. I heard her.