braces
sometimes, when i blur my eyes hard enough, i can imagine myself without braces. metal that slides against the inside of my cheeks, ripping them apart at night, without me to shut down. braces are easy to forget about when I'm alone, and I wish the same could be said about for when I'm with others. crooked smiles, straight teeth, and brace-free mouths. naturally, i hide my smile, under tight lips and suppressed laughs.














