Wednesday Short Story - Prompt - Camera

The Red Carpet

Damn it Suzie. Just smile.

“That’s right, like that, show me some teeth.”

Flash. FLASH. FLASH.

Stop fretting. Your lipstick is fine.

“Smile now, smile honey, blow ’em a kiss.”

Fuck. They know you did the surgery. Damn it Suzie, should have paid a little more.

“Come on darling spin, spin, give us a turn. There it is.”

Don’t fall, you clumsy girl.

“Suzie tell us who are you dating?”

Who would ever date you Suzie?

“You look stunning in that dress!”

Can’t they tell you threw up twice already?

“The whole world is watching tonight! Hope you win the award this year. Good luck Suzie!”

You? Win? You’re killing me with laughter.

“Suzie, I love you! Can I get an autograph please?” called a little girl behind the tape.

Of course.

You stupid dunce. You know you have to keep walking, you can’t stop for---

“You changed my life.” she said.

You talentless, useless, ugly---

“You saved mine.” I say.

They hate you. You know that. They hate you.

“Smile for the camera Suzie.”

You don’t deserve to live.

Everyday is hard. Like showing up at a trial, handcuffed and ready to be hanged. The courtroom is always full of people, and I am all alone.

And yet, I do not die.

I wish I were dead sometimes.

These voices in my head are seldom kind. I cannot make them stop. Can you save someone who is drowning, if they are tied to a heavy anchor?

They---my fans---want me to try.

And so...I try.

There is no alcohol or drugs here--- in this rehab. But there are many cameras. They follow me everywhere, just like the voices.

And so I look at them and smile.