Layers

A thousand flaky and fragile layers of pastry propped up by sweet creamy goodness and berries tart and fresh create the mille-feuille.

The requisite cami under my top.

The serum before the primer before the concealer before the final dusting of finishing powder.

The self-deprecating joke over top a modest down-playing followed by a reluctant accpetance of praise.

My default gentle smile and nod expression that covers multitudes.

Experiences and lessons that stack up over time to form a composite — something new, different and greater than the sum of its parts.

Not a mask covering another face. Not several nesting dolls hiding one innermost form. But rather page after page after more pages. A thousand sheets of whisper-thin pastry leaves indulgently made whole.