I remember the exact moment when color left my life. I made sure to not look at the sky because I didn’t want to feel the peace the stars would give me. I watched my reflection become unrecognizable to me, but no one noticed. I began having staring contests with the mirrors in my room- trying to find the color in my beautiful brown eyes.

I sat with myself for a long time. I held myself with all of the love I was denied. I forgave myself for my mistakes and apologized to the stars for ignoring them. I remember the exact moment when color came back into my life. I felt a cool breeze and the flowers started to dance.

Sincerely, Bushra Khan.