The London Lifeline

POV: Valeria

I stand frozen before the mirror in the small bathroom of my new apartment, staring at my own reflection. The harsh overhead light casts cruel shadows on my face, highlighting the exhaustion I am desperate to hide. I grip the edges of the porcelain sink to steady my shaking hands, picking up a small tube of thick concealer. I dab it over my dark stress spots, masking the physical tol