Clawing.

Pawing.

Scratching.

Crying.

This was the routine. He knew it by heart.

Glancing in the mirror on his way out of the room, he noticed the difference.

The light was finally gone.

He used to shimmer and glow. He couldn�t remember when the dullness had taken over. It had snuck its way in, claiming him.

He pressed fingers to his warm cheeks, to the darkened pools under his eyes, to the lips that would touch someone tonight.

He didn�t care. Not really anymore.

He would perform, like he always did. He didn�t know how else to be. Change was an option, but the hardest choice. He didn�t feel like making difficult decisions at the moment.

Pulling on his jacket, checking his pockets for a wallet, phone, he was ready.

Ready to face the world.

Ready to flash that special smile.

Ready to pretend once again.

Closing the door behind him, he left the darkened room. He proceeded to the elevators, then to the lobby below.

Screaming.

Smiling.

Grabbing.

Crying.

He knew the routine.