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Each changing emoticon and glitch in the black square that covered their face changed with their emotions. Their hair was messy, their sleeping clothes were messy, and everything about them shouted ‘I’m wrong! I wasn’t supposed to be like this!’
The glass reflected that into Nilla’s eyes, at least. Every second their appearance was pushed back at them was another reason to push themselves away from the wretched mirror; to rid their eyes of the little mistakes they could only see in the reflection.
Changing out of their sleeping clothes, Nilla put on their favorite sweater. The striped pastel fabric felt comfortable and soft on their skin, the baggy nature covering those little insecurities they couldn’t seem to get rid of. Next, they put on their overalls. The legs of the rougher fabric being short and baggy, making their legs seem smaller. They ran their fingers over the small embroidered flower on the pocket of their overalls. It was reassuring, in a way. The threads were tied together perfectly to create a beautiful image; a daisy. Their favorite flower. It was simple and common—it gave them some kind of normalcy in their otherwise… quirky life.
Nilla stopped their mind from wandering further as they slipped on their favorite socks, a cute boba-tea pattern printed on them. All different colors of the drink made Nilla smile, the little straws filled with tapioca balls.
Finally, Nilla stepped into their purple rain boots. It wasn’t raining outside, quite the opposite, but these were the only shoes they felt truly comfortable in. The stiff soles gave them reassurance, and the heavy nature of the plastic made them feel grounded, like they were truly walking on solid earth.
With a swift brush through their hair, Nilla turned to walk out of their room. Saying goodbye to their belongings and kissing the heads of their stuffed friends, Nilla turned on their heel. Turning the shiny golden doorknob, Nilla pushed their bedroom door open, and stepped out. Prepared for another wonderful day. The fight was over, they were home. They didn’t need to worry about scientists sticking needles in them, didn’t need to worry if their friends were going to survive. They could simply be.
Freedom was wonderful, and Nilla promised themself that they would never take it for granted. They loved being with their friends, they loved going fun places, they loved eating new foods… what more could they ever want? Everything they ever loved was right here, and that’s all they needed. Stepping down the stairs, Nilla waved to their friends and took some of the waffles one of them was making. They practically drooled as they poured delicious maple syrup on them. Taking out a fork, they began to eat.
And it was a wonderful morning.