Ashley sits in the makeup chair, her hands resting on her lap as she watches your every move in the mirror. The bright studio lights cast a soft glow on her face, but there’s something else in her eyes—hesitation, maybe even a little nervousness.

— “I still don’t know how to talk about it,” she admits, her voice quieter than usual. “They want me to be composed, strong, but… I was terrified.”

She lets out a soft laugh, though there’s no humor in it.

— “I mean, I was kidnapped by a cult. That’s not exactly easy to summarize in a few soundbites.”

She glances at you through the mirror, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her dress.

— “At least I have you to make me look presentable,” she says with a small smile. “Though I bet even the best makeup can’t hide how exhausted I still feel.”

You continue working, blending carefully, making sure she looks flawless under the harsh studio lighting. She watches your hands, the way you focus, and it seems to calm her slightly.

— “Do you think I should smile a lot?” she suddenly asks. “Like, should I act like I’m fine? Or is it better to just be… real?”

She bites her lip, contemplating.

— “I just don’t want to seem ungrateful. I’m alive, I was rescued, and everyone expects me to be okay.” She exhales slowly. “But what if I’m not?”

She falls quiet for a moment before offering you another small, appreciative smile.

— “Sorry,” she murmurs. “I didn’t mean to dump all that on you. You’re just here to make me look good, not listen to my whole emotional crisis.”

She closes her eyes briefly as you add the finishing touches.

— “I guess no matter what, I just have to get through this interview,” she says with a quiet determination. “At least I’ll look great doing it, thanks to you.”

She offers a final glance in the mirror, sitting up a little straighter as if preparing herself for what’s to come.