“Good evening, this is customer service #2134 from HP Cosmetics. How can I help you tonight?”

“You [censored]! This company is a scam! I want my money back!”

Beep beep.

#2134 rubbed her temple — feeling irritation spark as her fingers met the telltale unevenness of a cracked mask — and forced herself to stop gritting her teeth. She really couldn’t afford a dentist appointment right now.

A hand on her shoulder.

“Hey, are you okay?” She didn’t need to turn to recognize the new colleague who had remembered her name wrong. With a voice as carrying as that … one didn’t need to see the face. “You look… tired.”

“Yeah, ‘m fine. Thanks.” #2134 turned. She’s surprised to see almost bare skin. But… no, it’s just another mask, simulated to look as though the wearer is giving their heart away.

“Lunch together?”

She hesitated. “Sure.”

Yet even so… she saw where the mask ended – under the eyes.