Chapter 53 Empathy Vi

• Erica's [POV]
• I apply my crimson red lipstick with a shaky hand, feeling strangely at odds with the woman staring back at me in the mirror. I still recognize her beneath the makeup, but she feels like someone from another life.
• The routine I used to fall into so easily every day, applying my armor before I stepped out into the world, now makes me feel like a stranger in my skin. When Judge sent Lois to give me back my makeup bag this morning, I knew it wasn't out of the kindness of his heart. Neither is his agreement to let me see my friends. I would be a fool to believe that for even a second.