“And you’re sure this will work?” Katya turned her head, one side then to the other. The image she saw before her wobbled, a reflection of her inner state. Straightening her back with grace, head held high and neck long, flashing dark eyes and firm jaw, hair silken and perfectly dressed—the mirror now truthfully reflected the young woman before her.  Running damp hands down the length of her embroidered full length skirt, she checked her silken slippers, the laces of her bodice, the knot, center and top, that shaped and lifted.              Continue reading →