[I’m practicing your name so I can say it to your face…]

She tests the barrel of the curling iron, licking her finger and lightly brushing the hot metal, anticipating the sizzle. As she wraps a section of her hair around and around, she bites her lip both as a way to stay calm and to stay focused, not burn the tips of her fingers. Again. She had been worried, checking the weather every day to make sure the humidity wouldn't be working against her. But everything is falling into place. She releases a curl, springy and smooth. She allows herself to smile. The morning has started right. It's a good day.