Selfless
Marlene woke up with a bottomless pit for a stomach, a deep ache of nothingness. She couldn't remember what she dreamed of, but she tried to shake the nervous energy away. She carried on as usual, showering, dressing, sitting at the dressing table in the dormitory and combing out her long, dark locks.
She looked good today, she decided. Her hair was shiny, and falling just the way she liked it. Her eyes looked bright and alert. Maybe she'd even catch Sirius' eye today.
Almost as soon as she left the emptiness behind with the last breath of sleepiness, it came back, stronger than ever, bringing tears to her eyes.
The world was at war. People were dying. Hurt and suffering surrounded the Wizarding World. And here she was, combing her hair, thinking she looked pretty today.
It was what she'd always done, how she'd always been, but all of a sudden, it didn't feel right. It made her feel sick.
In the midst of all the darkness, and the confusion, Marlene understood with a deep sadness. She wasn't sure she knew how to be herself any more, or if she was even that same girl.
Maybe war changed everyone.
Written for the Ultimate Chocolate Frog Cards Challenge, for Marlene McKinnon – Write about Marlene McKinnon. 199 words.
