Edith, a vibrant and confident woman at 75, loved wearing her signature red lipstick. It added a touch of boldness to her style and spoke volumes about her lively personality. That evening, as she was getting ready for a family gathering, she was far from anticipating the turmoil that her choice of lipstick would cause.
As Edith applied her favorite shade of red, she felt a wave of memories wash over her. This lipstick had been her companion through numerous life events, from interviews to romantic dinner dates with her late husband. For her, it was more than just a cosmetic; it was emblematic of her indomitable spirit.
Her son, Steph, arrived earlier than expected, catching her mid-application. With a smirk, he remarked, “Mom, you’re like an overage clown desperate to relive youth. It’s too much.”
The comment was a blow, leaving her stunned. Before she could muster a response, Steph’s wife added with a smug grin, “I’m with Steph on this. Red lipstick isn’t for someone your age. Maybe you should just follow the crowd.”
Edith’s heart raced with disbelief at their audacity. After a moment, she replied sharply, “You should probably focus on your own affairs,” her voice steady as stone.
Stunned by the retort, Steph’s wife mumbled an insincere apology, “Sorry, Edith, we just didn’t want you to look foolish.”
Attempting to regain the upper hand, Steph quipped with a smirk, “Alright, mom, enjoy being the circus act.” His wife chuckled along, and they wandered off, leaving Edith engulfed in a mix of emotions.