Inspecting the ceiling for the first time she noticed
cracks in the plaster
bugs in the light fixture
the beginnings of what might be a small leak in one corner

None of which she would have paid attention to
if she had not been reduced to sobbing into
needing-more-fabric softener towels

She laughed at her own attempt to look for pluses,
as it was her nature to find a silver lining,
even in storm clouds,
often when miserable.

A glance in the mirror was not as reassuring.
Her hair was askew,
eyes puffy and crimson,
forehead bruised from hitting something
hard.

The floor? A wall? The truth?

_{thanks to The Debutante for the title and editing assit}