Interludes and Lures Sequel to Siren Song IAL

Looking into the mirror, Chang studied the familiar yet unfamiliar reflection that gazed back. Her blue eyes, while they were familiar it also felt like she stared into another woman's face at times. Someone far colder, and unattached.

Straightening the stiff starched collar on her dark blue button up blouse. Chang practiced her smile, today was a day she had to practice more than any other.

'Today is just another day, don't expect anything different. What happened last year is not going to happen twice..

'You know more now, you're stronger and wiser than you once were. This year and the ones hereafter will only get easier, just breathe. You can get through this, you've gotten through much worse.' Chang took a deep breath trying to quell the emotions that threatened to rise before meeting her reflection again with a slight smile.

'Happy 25th birthday Chang Xie, no Charmaine Elaenora...'