Superficial – Jina Wallwork 

She looks directly into the features of my face and, for a moment, I imagine that she can see me. I stare into my reflection within her eyes. The form I see is unfamiliar and I question my own identity as I struggle to understand her gaze. Who is this alien she believes me to be? I attempt to reveal myself, vulnerable and honest, in the words I speak and the actions I take. The superficiality within her perception feeds like a parasite, devouring her ability to see. I cannot deepen this connection because I’m invisible to her. She connects to who she believes me to be and that creates a constant distance from who I actually am. I’ve finally come to accept that I will always be a stranger, whether I’m present in her life or not.