A Dead Woman’s Makeup by Terveen Gill — Gobblers & Masticadores
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A dead woman lays in her coffin.
Her makeup and hair are tidy and in place.
Her children can’t agree on whether they like it.
Makeup artist Sasha gives them a surprise they’ll never forget.
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The coffin was open. Dena Mistry lay in it. The funeral home had ensured that the dead woman looked her best. The funeral director had appointed an accomplished makeup artist. Sasha could do wonders. Dena’s two children, a daughter and son, were relieved that their mother would be buried with her makeup and hair in […]
A Dead Woman’s Makeup by Terveen Gill — Gobblers & Masticadores
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Terveen Gill is a versatile author and writer who has had the pleasure of growing up on two different continents. Having spent her childhood years in the United States, she returned to India, and has since been living in Chandigarh, a beautiful city in North India. Choosing engineering as her path, she obtained a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. However, paths are discovered only to be changed. Life's unpredictable tale made her realize her passion for writing, and thus began a journey that is transforming into a wonderful literary experience. The author of graphic novels and short stories, versatility is her secret weapon. From a storyteller to a film-maker, script-writing, film direction and film editing are pursuits that challenge and enhance her creativity. Her motto is, ‘If it can be imagined, it is already half-done’.
23 Comments
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I was struck by the biases of the children, who seemed to not even recognize their own mother unless her physical appearance matched their preconceived notions of who and what she should be to them. When the make-up came off, it was as though they saw her for the first time, but by that point it was a little too late. It’s unfortunate that we focus on physical appearance and biases to the extent that we don’t even recognize each other anymore. Wonderful writing as always, Terveen. You really know how to expose the depths of humanity in your stories. 🙂
It’s so funny, Mike, how we disguise people in our own judgments and opinions. And when they show a side that we can’t relate to, then it’s their fault more than ours. Haha! Isn’t that crazy? It’s sad that hardly anyone takes the time to know and understand, but then each has a life they must answer to. A tangled web where even light shudders from being trapped. Dark…dark…dark… Your reflections always give me so much joy and peace. You reside upon a plane of understanding that is so tough to get to. Be well and keep enlightening. Thanks so much, Mike! 🙂
I’ve never guessed the solution, Bravo!
Thank you so much, Cassa. It was an aha moment for me too. 🙂
Yay that’s a great write!
hahaha; brilliant solution, one I never saw coming; a tight little narrative —
Thanks so much, John. It surprised me too. The whacky ways of writing. 🙂
A touching piece, Terveen. A last and lasting memory of the authentic self.
Thank you so much, Michele. I’d wish a wonderful journey of self-discovery for every individual. 🙂
You are welcome. Beautifully penned thoughts. 😊
There was so much to unpack in this excellent story, Terveen. I guess that is one of the complexities of family relationships; it takes an outsider to bring some middle ground. I have been to a few Irish Catholic wakes in my time. The arguments were not about the how a face looked, more about the clothing the deceased wore. Nobody was going over to the other side in a shabby dress or suit. Interesting how different cultures view death.
Life, at times, appears rehearsed and so superficial. As if digging beneath the surface requires too much effort and what we may find is not what we would like to accept. I’m not sure about the other side, but this side better get their act together. Thanks so much for always sharing your thoughts and experiences, Davy. 🙂
Brilliant piece hon. Bravo.
Thank you so much, Gabriela. Deeply appreciate it. 🙂
My pleasure hon. Enjoy your weekend 🌸
This story is so beautiful in its elemental truth!
Thank you so much, Dawn. If only we cared to look harder and feel deeper. 🙂
What a surprise ending. You did it again. I was thinking of some extraordinary feat of cosmetic wonder to satisfy the unhappy kids, only to realize that I was all wrong. It is a pleasant shock indeed. Go ahead, Terveen, shock me again and again.
Haha! Thanks for being so sweet, Haoyan. I like shocking myself too. Will try to keep it up. 🙂
Amazing write, Terveen. Congrats on the pub too! ☺️
Thanks so much, Jeff. Appreciate it. Be well. 🙂
Loved the idea as well as the execution! Brilliant as always.👌❤️
Thanks so much, Aaysid. Appreciate it! 🙂