Vision in Emerald

**Marcella**

Mom steps back from the vanity mirror and secures the final bobby pin into my hair with a satisfied sigh. She rests her hands on my bare shoulders. "There, all done. You look perfect, my dear."

A genuine smile spreads across my face as I take a long moment to admire the reflection staring back at me. "Wow."

The word slips out as a breathless whisper. I am wearing a short, emerald