A photo shoot shows Laylee how people are judged by their appearances. Laylee’s parents invite the family for Shabbos Chanukah. Sarah doesn’t want to go,
“T hings changed at the end of 11th grade.” Sarah grabbed a crayon from Rikki’s box on the table and began doodling in the Shopkins notepad sitting next to it.
“You mean you changed” Laylee countered.
“No the focus changed. Life shifted to the future and it was like everyone around me was living in this… this constant state of seminary and shidduchim. Every action every grade was a means to an end. Every conversation… It was like a collective exodus from the present.”
Laylee smiled. “I remember that. Until mid-February of 12th grade… and then everyone’s plans solidify…” She trailed off awkwardly. Sarah let out a little laugh.
“Yeah. Well. Not everyone’s plans right?” She flashed Laylee a phony smile. Clearing her throat she turned back to her doodling. “Maybe it’s because I’m the youngest and all of you are married and I see stuff you know? I see that it’s not… not always perfect. That life doesn’t automatically become amazing after the chasunah.”
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