Flash Fiction: The mask

“Goodbye, have a nice day.” Irene said to her secretary on her way out of the office. She also politely smiled and closed a big black wooden door. On her way to the lift she smiled and nodded to a couple of people she regularly saw in the meetings but never cared to remember their names. She doesn’t have to know the name of every employee in her company, does she? 

“I’m sure your driver warmed up the car for you.” said the doormen as he opened the door for her. Cold air slapped her face but she smiled anyway and thanked him. He was right, the car was already running.

“I warmed up the car.” the driver said proudly as they left the parking space in front of a huge white building.

“I’ve noticed, that’s very kind of you.” Irene answered with a smile on her face and closed her eyes; the driver left her alone and didn’t ask any questions when she had her eyes closed and she really wasn’t in the mood for small talk. 

An hour later they stopped in front of her apartment building where she owned a penthouse. On her way up she kindly said goodbye to her driver and smiled to the doorman as she always did.

“Hello honey, how was your day?” her husband asked her when she walked into the living room.

“Oh go to hell” she said and pushed him away “stop pretending we’re a loving couple already.”

Irene finally took off her mask. 

This story was inspired by a photo taken by Keith Lambert. He is a very good photographer, you can check out his work at his blog Snap Dragon Photography.