They were each, to some extent, products of their surroundings.
He bows under the pressure of perception, of upbringing, until he can bend no more – but he does not buckle. He uses against his aggressors fear, the very force once made to intimidate him, and he thrives.
She buttons up feelings of insecurity and inadequacy forced upon her behind easy smiles and mild words and continued success that is not, cannot be enough, until a white-stained hand pulls up the corners of her lips and teaches her to smile again.
And then their surroundings are products of their actions.
Their masks are truer faces and they have no need to change.
How happy they will be in years to come is unknown... but the relief at shedding years of endured misconceptions could not be ignored.
[A/N: Uh. Yyyyyyeah, I blanked on this one. I'll do better next time. Which, incidentally, should be up later today.
Thanks to everyone for your reviews! I love hearing your thoughts! owo
Next word: Leaf.]