Member-only story
The Authentic Eclectic
The Mirror
Amber did not approve of the party being held on a Friday. She was tired from work, tired from hurrying to prepare at home, and, because she never attended a party on an empty stomach, she had miscalculated while racing about, eaten too much, and now poked doubtfully at the bulge at her waist, questioning her choice of a sleek navy dress.
It was a frosty winter night. Occasionally, passing headlights invaded her privacy. She held her gloved hands in front of the heater, even though they were warm. She was stalling and wasting gas.
She reminded herself that she only need make an appearance, even or especially because the woman called her sister was the host. She turned off the car, grabbed her purse, and stepped out into the cold.
Her heels might have punched new stars in the tar firmament. She always stood tall, with a confident expression, and looked people in the eye with a smile. Though their opinions were of little import, she considered it a point of pride to create the illusion of success, which is defined, above all, by happiness.
In the entryway, she got caught between a man and woman engaged in an antagonistic debate. Amber did not like to vocally engage in politics. The woman called her sister saw her and brought a cup of cider, noting its alcohol content by reminding her…
