The Rebirth

POV: Vera

The heavy, dark navy Valentino suit feels like a luxurious second skin, yet beneath the flawless wool-blend fabric, a swarm of anxiety twists and coils in the pit of my stomach. I am terrified that my own body might eventually betray me—that a sudden tremor in my hands, a subtle flush of panic on my neck, or a stutter in my breath will ruin the impenetrable facade I have spent the last