In them, a slight confusion was almost completely hidden under the skillful social expression forged since childhood. In their euphoria they felt stunned during the act they performed with a will that was so firm and fierce as well as obstinate.  By dint of boldly and recklessly always repeating the same acts, they pretended to lengthen their eternity a word torn out of obsession. Because they were always trying to be so impenetrable. Striving against the relentless tide of vulnerability, they donned their masks like armor, obscuring the frailty that gnawed at the edges of their souls. They shivered at the thought of being seen, of their truths spilling out into the light, where scrutiny would turn them into nothing more than shades of their own existence. Within this elaborate charade, they sought not only to evade exposure but also, somehow, to elude time itself -a trick of the mind that twisted reality into a surreal tapestry. With every feigned laugh and rehearsed gesture, they wove the fabric of an illusion that shimmered just above the chasm of despair. Yet beneath the surface, the ache remained, a constant reminder that no façade could wholly mask the shadows lurking within. Each heartbeat echoed a longing for authenticity, for a moment of unguarded truth. In their heart of hearts, they yearned for connection, for a solace that could only be found in vulnerability. As the world spun on, they wondered if anyone else felt the weight of the performance, the silent screams hidden behind their bright smiles. In that fleeting glimmer of hope, they dared to dream that perhaps, just perhaps, they could find the courage to drop their masks and embrace the unvarnished self. It was a fragile dream, yet the allure of sincerity called to them like a distant melody, sweet and haunting. They imagined a place where the masks fell away, revealing not just the scars but the beauty bred from hardship. In that imagined sanctuary, laughter would ring true, and silence would feel comforting rather than suffocating. As dusk painted the sky with hues of uncertainty, a flicker of determination sparked within them, igniting a notion that maybe, just maybe, the leap into authenticity was worth the risk, that true acceptance awaited those brave enough to confront their inner tumult. With each heartbeat they inched closer to that precipice of revelation where the masks could shatter and the true selves could emerge. Courage brewed within the depths of their beings igniting a fire that had long lain dormant. They took a deep breath feeling the weight of their burdens shift ever so slightly as the possibility of liberation beckoned. What if they could stand together in their rawness sharing the beauty of their unfiltered stories? The thought sent a shiver of exhilaration through them a whisper urging them onward into the shimmering unknown waiting just beyond the fear's grasp. As they stepped closer to the edge of that vibrant abyss the shadows flickered ever so faintly as if sensing the dawning light of authenticity. Each step was a release a letting go of the tightly held beliefs that had kept them shackled. The thought of kindred spirits emerging alongside them filled their hearts with warmth. They could almost see the faces of those who had also danced with uncertainty eyes glimmering with shared hurt and hope. Together they could weave a new narrative one stitched with threads of truth that would shine brighter than any mask ever could. With resolve building within them they ventured forth into the uncharted realm of their true selves ready to face the vulnerability that had long paralyzed them. The air around them felt electric charged with possibility as they glimpsed the silhouettes of others stepping into the light. Each heartbeat synchronized with newfound courage reverberating a promise of acceptance and understanding. They reached out grasping hands that trembled yet held an unbreakable bond forged in the fires of shared struggle. In that moment they discovered the profound beauty of being unapologetically human a tapestry woven from the threads of authenticity and love. The journey had only just begun as they realized that vulnerability was not a weakness but a powerful bridge to genuine connection. Each story shared was a stitch reinforcing their collective fabric reminding them that they were not alone. Laughter intertwined with tears as they embraced their imperfections finding strength in the very fragility they had once feared. In this sanctuary of sincerity they explored the depths of their emotions revealing the rich tapestry of their experiences. With each moment of openness they carved a path toward liberation where masks would gather dust and their true selves would flourish unburdened by pretense.

By Carlos del Puente