Maria sat nervously in the salon chair, her fingers twisting together in her lap. The hum of clippers and the chatter of customers filled the air, but all she could hear was her own heartbeat.
She had thought about this for weeks—a fresh start, a bold move. “Are you ready?” the stylist asked, holding up the electric clippers with a gentle smile.
With a deep breath, Maria nodded.
The clippers buzzed to life and touched the base of her neck. She felt a vibration on her scalp as the cold metal traveled upward, leaving a clean path behind. Chunk after chunk of her dark hair toppled into her lap, lighter and lighter with each pass.
People nearby watched in awe while Maria closed her eyes and felt a wave of freedom. A cool breeze tickled her bare skin as the last tufts were swept away. When the stylist finished, Maria reached up and ran her hands over her smooth scalp, marveling at the new sensation.
She opened her eyes and saw herself anew in the mirror—not just her reflection, but a braver version of herself daring to begin again. The stylist smiled. “You look amazing.”
Maria grinned, feeling lighter, bolder, and more herself than ever before.