Amber had made the appointment at the hairdresser's online, because she wasn't quite confident about her voice yet. Now that she was actually there, at this shrine to femininity, she felt paralyzed, with a devastating wave of impostor syndrome. A pretty twenty-something Latina hairdresser was making her way towards Amber. Oh God, Amber thought, she can tell what I am.
"First time?" asked the woman gently.
Amber shook her head yes.
"Come right this way and we'll make you even prettier." The woman smiled. "My name's Juana. Now just sit right here" she gestured to a seat. Amber sat down. "My name's Amber" she said.
"What a pretty name!" said Juana. "Why don't you just put yourself in my hands? After all we Pink Pill ladies need to look out for each other."
Amber relaxed.
"Is there someone special you need to look especially good for?" asked Juana.
"No. I mean yes. Well, maybe." Amber answered.