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The Mirror
A short excerpt from a satire/dark humor novel
I go into the bathroom and start getting ready. As I brush my teeth I am looking into the mirror.
I didn't realize it at first, and maybe it is all in my head, but I look different. There no longer
is this glow, this optimism I had before when I came home from college. The light in my eyes about
starting a whole new life and getting out there in the real world has changed, darkened. What
I see now in the mirror is defeat. I still don't see hatred or despair, but something gloomy.
Can others see this? Do I look this way to everyone or just myself at this moment? The
effects of corporate purgatory are taking its tolls I guess. I don't like the way I look,
at least in my own eyes but I cannot seem to look away. I no longer recognize the sad face
in the mirror and become disgusted, yet obsessed at the same time. I finish brushing my
teeth in the hallway, I can't stand it any longer. I go into my room when I am done.
While looking through my closet for what to wear I have to keep pushing suits aside.
These uniforms for interviews, one reminder after another of where I am in life now
and where I will be tomorrow. Ralph Lauren, Pierre Cardin, Nautica, all different
names in black and charcoal and grey. Each one is a reminder of corporate purgatory.
Each one is another failed interview or represents a company that was in a 'hiring
freeze' or 'downsizing'.
Jared Hamula
Email: Jared Hamula
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