Prologue
I will be fine.
I look at my mirror reflection and repeat the sentence in my head. I will be fine, I will be fine.
I don't pay any attention to the chatty hairdresser until the woman removes the foils and starts to rinse out my hair. It's official now, I'm no longer a redhead. My hair is now dark ash brown, but it will be lighter when it's dry and I look at the picture on my phone. I don't recognize the girl in the picture, just like I don't recognize the girl that I see in the mirror.
''Are you really sure about this color, dear? Don't get me wrong, it is a nice color. But you had gorgeous red hair! Maybe I can put in some highlights to make it pop a little?''
I wonder for a moment, pretending that I'm thinking about her suggestion. Of course, my hair looks boring compared to my old color, but I choose this color for a reason. Not that I'm going to explain that to the chatty hairdresser.
''No highlights, I like it like this.'' I can tell the hairdresser is disappointed, but I couldn't care less. This was the final step I needed to take. No, the second last thing. For the last time I look at the picture on my phone and I press on delete.
I look at the girl in the mirror and I take a deep breath.
I will be fine, I will be fine, I will be fine.
