Felicity's Battle with Self
Felicity Evans had always been the kind of girl that everyone loved to hate – perfect grades, pretty face, rich parents, and a toned figure to boot. But anyone perceptive could see that Felicity's life was more than just glitz and glamour.
One evening in the Evans mansion, Felicity stood in front of her massive bedroom mirror, discontent reflecting in her sea-green eyes. With a sigh, she gently traced her flawlessly made-up face and immaculately styled hair, the facades she hid behind. She yearned for something more, something real, despite seemingly having it all. She yearned for herself.
Little did she know, her existential crisis was about to become a journey of a lifetime when she discovered a strange, leather bound book in her father's study. The unassuming title 'Emotions Unleashed' caught Felicity's eye. Out of curiosity, she opened the book and found a litany of dense text discussing emotions, personalities, and the impact of the society on the individual’s mental state.
As days faded into nights, Felicity found solace and enlightenment in the pages of that serendipitous find. For the first time in life, she understood that her flawless perfection was the source of her sombre sadness. She was not living her life, but the life that others expected of her.
Felicity decided to stand up against the norm, risking the ire of her friends and parents. She began to express herself in ways unfamiliar to her social sphere, prompting alienation and criticism. Defying her exclusive World History assignment, she wrote an emotional essay about her personal journey. Despite the teacher's disapproval and poor grades, she felt empowered and proud.
She continued shedding her false layers one by one, each time finding herself exposed and vulnerable, but more authentic and happier. No longer did she humour herself by fitting into size zero designer clothes, instead she wore what made her comfortable. She cut off her long blonde tresses, the symbol of her fake perfection, and wore her hair short, unruly, and natural.
The rejection she faced initially began to subside as people noticed the serenity in Felicity's life, which left an impact on those who misjudged her. The friends who ostracised her gradually returned, touched by her courage and honesty. They adopted Felicity's philosophy, realising their own battle with similar insecurities and societal standards.
Her parents however, battled to accept this transformation. It wasn't until they found Felicity's essays on the dining table one day, they were moved to tears by her emotional conflict and bravery. They accepted their daughter’s transformation and were proud of the woman she was becoming.
In the end, Felicity lived an ordinary life, filled with contentment, authenticity, and love. Despite no longer being the envy of the town, she was finally whole and joyful. It was quite a paradox to the life she had led but Felicity had finally found what she sought – herself.
Every evening, with calm in her heart, Felicity would sit in front of the same bedroom mirror, her sea-green eyes now mirroring contentment instead of discontent. Her once flawless facades gave way to genuine happiness that no amount of makeup or style could ever achieve. Unbeknownst to her, in her quest for the real, Felicity had become extraordinary. She had found an emotion more important than happiness - self-love and acceptance.