Ororo rose with the first rays of dawn, getting ready for the new day. This was the time the children never saw her, when she was free to just be, instead of being the matron of the Institute. She groomed herself, watered her plants and spent some time among them. This was one of her favorite places, among such beauty, the life she had created.

Next for another of her favorite times, the time she was free to be a child again, for the first time. She'd grown up on the streets of Cairo, living a hand-to-mouth existence, never really having a childhood. Now, though, she could be a little girl, at least for a few minutes every day.

She came down from the attic. Once she was sure there were no students about, she merrily skipped back to her room. It wouldn't do for one who was once called a goddess to be caught playing like a child. Now she was back in her room and the door was shut. It was play-time.

As a little girl she'd always wanted to play dress-up, and now she could. First for her clothes. Bright colors, the colors she'd always wanted to be able to wear as a child. A theif who wished to escape notice had to blend in, but she'd always loved bright, vibrant colors, colors she could now wear.

It took her only moments to choose a bright, beautiful skirt and a blouse to go with it. Next she chose a gauzy scarf to tie back her hair and oversized, yet elegant, earrings. This was one of the combinations only she could wear and make it look good, and she knew it.

Now for her make-up. She grinned widely as she began. She applied blush like a little kid, but she knew she could make it look good. Next for vibrant eyeshadow, mascara, and more. She grinned like a fool throughout the routine. She could finally play dress-up like all the other kids, and she wouldn't let anything spoil it for her, even if she was all grown up now.

Next came bangle bracelets that chimed with every movement. She could play, she could make noise, she could be who she was. Ororo laughed and skipped around the room, then twirled in front of the mirror. It was her time to be her.

She looked at the clock. She still had half an hour before anyone else would be up. She smiled again. When others were around and she wanted to make a picture, she painted. But she was alone now, and nobody would know. Time for her guilty little pleasure. She pulled out a pony coloring book and a box of crayons from under the dresser. She had wipes in her room to get rid of the crayon smell and perfume for after that.

Ororo looked at the clock again. Ten minutes. She'd best get ready. She put the crayons away, used the wipe to remove the odor, and sprayed her perfume. Then she slipped on her shoes and pulled her face down into a more calm position. Then she quietly, elegantly slipped out her door, ready for any who needed her. She was the soul of the Institute once more.