Baldgirl Headshave experiance

The razor felt cold against my skin, a stark contrast to the burning in my chest. My reflection stared back, a stranger with tear-streaked cheeks and a wildness in her eyes. Seema. The Seema who just hours ago had been clinging to the tattered remnants of a three-year relationship, now reduced to this: a desperate act of self-destruction disguised as liberation. A smooth head. It had been Liam’s favourite thing about me – my long, thick, raven hair. The way it cascaded down my back, the way it smelled of vanilla and sunshine after I’d washed it. Now, it was going. Gone. Erased, like the memories I desperately wished I could erase alongside it. The barber shop smelled of antiseptic and hairspray, a scent that usually soothed me now felt suffocating. I sat in the chair, the worn vinyl cold beneath my jeans. I'd never done anything like this before. My heart pounded a frantic rhythm against my ribs. “Ready?” the barber asked, his voice gruff. He barely glanced at me. Another day, another head. Another broken heart. I nodded, unable to speak. The weight of my unshed tears pressed down, threatening to spill over. I wanted oblivion, a clean slate, a fresh start… even if it meant obliterating the one thing Liam had truly loved about me. Then I saw her. She was standing near the counter, her own hair a vibrant shock of crimson, cut short in a fierce pixie style. She was effortlessly cool, a pair of dark sunglasses perched atop her head, contrasting with a soft, almost shy smile playing on her lips. She radiated an energy that cut through the sterile atmosphere of the barbershop. She looked like she belonged in a band, a powerful one, the kind that makes you shiver. As the barber’s electric clippers buzzed against my scalp, I stole glances at her. She noticed me looking and offered a small, almost hesitant smile. There was something about her eyes, a deep understanding that transcended words. My tear-filled gaze didn't seem to frighten her. When the clippers were finished, the barber held up a handful of my dark hair; a tangible representation of my heartbreak. He gestured to the razor. “Final pass?” This was it. The moment of no return. “Yes,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. He began to shave. The cold steel against my scalp, the slight sting, the feeling of my hair disappearing… it felt strangely liberating. A strange sort of peace settled over me, a quiet acceptance. “It’s… beautiful,” the woman said softly, her voice cutting through the silence. She had approached unnoticed. I blinked, startled. She was even more striking up close. Her eyes, the same shade as her hair, were captivating; pools of molten crimson. “I… I’m Riya,” she said, extending a hand. Her touch was surprisingly gentle. “Seema,” I replied, my voice still shaky, offering my hand back. She looked at my smooth-shaven head. “It suits you,” she said, her gaze lingering on my face. “It really does.” There was something about her genuine admiration, something that brushed away the layers of self-loathing I’d been carrying. As she talked about her own reasons for preferring short hair – practical, rebellious, self-expressive – I found myself opening up to her, confessing my heartbreak, my impulsive act of self-mutilation. She listened patiently, never interrupting, her crimson gaze fixed on me with an intensity that both surprised and comforted me. There was a vulnerability in her eyes, a knowingness that hinted at similar struggles, similar battles fought and won. Then, she did something unexpected. She gently touched my shaved head, her fingers tracing the contours of my skull. The touch, so simple yet unexpectedly intimate, sent a shiver down my spine. “It’s… smooth,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers continued their exploration, a gentle caress, and then she leaned forward, her lips brushing softly against mine. The kiss was brief, yet electrifying. It wasn’t a kiss of pity, not a kiss born of sympathy. It was a kiss of understanding, of acceptance, of a shared humanity that transcended the pain we both carried within our hearts. When she pulled away, her fingers still running across my scalp, I felt something shift within me. The hollow ache in my chest began to ease. The tears that had welled up earlier were no longer tears of sorrow, but tears of release, of unexpected joy. She kissed me again, and this time, it was longer, deeper, filled with a passion I hadn't expected, couldn't have predicted. She held my head in her hands, her thumbs gently stroking my shaved scalp, and I let myself melt into her arms, comforted by the feel of her hands, her body, her love. In the sterile environment of a barber shop, surrounded by the scent of antiseptic and hairspray, I found something unexpectedly beautiful: a connection, a spark, a new beginning. A love born from the ashes of heartbreak, built on the smooth canvas of my freshly shaved head. Liam might have loved my long hair, but Riya loved me. And that, more than anything, filled the void he had left behind.

Headshave after effect

I am not a professional story writer, but I will do my best to create a story based on your prompt. I woke up that morning feeling like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. My heart was heavy, and my mind was consumed with thoughts of my recent breakup. I couldn't bear the idea of going to work or facing anyone I knew, so I decided to do something drastic. I picked up the phone and called the local barbershop. As I walked into the shop, I felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over me. I had never been in a barbershop before, let alone asked a stranger to shave my head. But I was determined to make a change, to start anew. The barber, Riya, looked at me with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "What can I do for you today?" she asked. "I want you to shave my head," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. Riya raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. She wrapped a cape around me and got to work. As she ran the clippers over my head, I felt a sense of relief. Each strand of hair that fell to the ground felt like a weight being lifted off my shoulders. When Riya was finished, she handed me a mirror. I looked at my reflection and barely recognized myself. My head was smooth and bare, and my eyes looked brighter and more alert. I felt like a new person. As I was paying, Riya asked me why I had decided to shave my head. I hesitated for a moment, then decided to be honest. "I just went through a tough breakup, and I wanted to do something drastic to start over," I said. Riya's face softened. "I understand," she said. "Sometimes we need to make a big change to move forward." We fell into easy conversation after that, talking about everything from our favorite books to our dreams and aspirations. I was surprised to find myself opening up to this stranger, but something about Riya made me feel comfortable and at ease. As I was leaving, Riya reached out and gently ran her hand over my smooth head. "You look beautiful," she said, with a soft smile. I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body at her touch. I looked into her eyes and saw something there that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Without thinking, I leaned in and kissed her. Riya's eyes widened in surprise, but then she kissed me back, her hand still resting on my head. The kiss was soft and gentle, but it sent a wave of emotion through me. I felt a connection to Riya that I couldn't explain, a sense of understanding and acceptance. When we pulled away, we both looked at each other, our faces flushed. "I'm sorry," I said, feeling self-conscious again. But Riya just shook her head. "Don't be," she said. "I've been wanting to do that all day." We exchanged numbers before I left, promising to keep in touch. As I walked back to my apartment, I felt a sense of excitement and possibility that I hadn't felt in a long time. Over the next few weeks, Riya and I spent more and more time together. We went on long walks, explored the city, and talked for hours about our lives and experiences. I had never felt so seen and understood by anyone before. One night, as we were sitting on my couch watching a movie, Riya reached out and started rubbing my smooth head. It felt like a electric current was running through my body, and I couldn't help but lean into her touch. Without thinking, I turned to face her and kissed her again. This time, the kiss was deeper and more passionate. I felt a sense of longing and desire that I had never felt before. Riya responded with equal intensity, her hands running through my hair and down my back. I felt like I was melting into her, like we were two pieces of a puzzle that had finally found their place. As we pulled away, we both looked at each other, our breaths heavy. "I think I'm falling in love with you," Riya said, her voice barely above a whisper. I felt a sense of joy and relief wash over me. "I think I'm falling in love with you too," I replied. From that moment on, Riya and I were inseparable. We spent every moment together, exploring the world and each other. I had never felt so alive, so happy, and so fulfilled. And as I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile. My smooth head was a symbol of the change I had made, the new beginning I had created for myself. But it was also a symbol of something more: the love and connection I had found with Riya. A love that was deep, passionate, and true. A love that I knew would last a lifetime.

Headshave Flirt

My name is Seema. It's been a month since my boyfriend Raj broke up with me. We were together for five amazing years. I thought he was the one. But then he left me, out of the blue, for someone else. It shattered my world. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. All I could do was cry and scream at the unfairness of it all. Thirty days had passed but the pain felt fresh as ever. My long dark hair had once been my pride, my crowning glory. But now it just felt like a burden, a reminder of Raj. A part of me, of us. So I finally made the drastic decision. I was going to shave my head. Completely bald. Smooth as a baby's bottom. I wanted to rid myself of the past, to become someone new. Someone Raj would never recognize. I walked into the barber shop with trembling hands. It was empty, a blessing. I approached the counter and told the barber, a pretty woman with kind eyes and short spiky hair, "I want you to shave my head. Razor to the scalp. No stubble." She looked up at me, concerned. "Are you sure? It'll take time to regrow." "I'm positive," I replied, voice shaking but determined. "I want a change." She nodded slowly. "Okay. Please have a seat." The barber's name was Riya, she told me as she began. I watched in the mirror, emotions swirling, as she sectioned my hair into clips. Then she picked up the razor. I squeezed my eyes shut. The first swipe was the weirdest sensation, like a kiss of cold metal against my scalp. It felt alien yet exhilarating. Riya worked in silence, her dexterous hands gliding along my head. With each pass, I felt lighter, freer. When she finished, I opened my eyes. I barely recognized the woman in the mirror. My dark locks were gone. In their place was a canvas of smooth, hairless skin. I turned my head from side to side, marveling at this new me. Tears pricked my eyes. "It's...I love it," I whispered. Riya smiled, looking pleased. "You're beautiful, bald suits you." Her brown eyes sparkled as they met mine. I paid, a giddy energy filling me. But I lingered. Riya and I chatted about hair, life, everything. A connection bloomed between us, natural and easy. I found myself laughing, really laughing, for the first time in weeks. "Thank you," I said softly as I prepared to leave. "You have no idea how much this means to me." Riya looked at me, her gaze tender. "You're welcome, Seema. I'm so glad I could help." Then slowly, she raised a hand to my bare head. I stilled, hardly daring to breathe. She rubbed her palm over my smooth scalp and I shivered at the sensation. "Your head feels amazing," Riya murmured. She bit her lip, looking at me through her lashes. "I wasn't expecting it but...I think I really like you, Seema. The real you." My heart pounded. "I...I like you too," I admitted shyly. "So much." Riya leaned in then. Our lips met, soft and sweet. I cupped her face, kissing her deeper, pouring my emotion into it. My fingers found her hair, delighting in the short spiky strands. Riya groaned and kissed me harder. Her hand slid down to grip my smooth head, massaging my scalp and sending tingles through me. We kissed until we were breathless, until I was dizzy with want. I pulled back, panting. "I want to see you again," I breathed. "Please say yes." Riya smiled, stroking my head. "Yes. God yes." We traded numbers and I floated out of the shop on a cloud of happiness. My heart felt full to bursting. I didn't know what would happen between Riya and me. But for the first time in a long time, I was excited for the future. Because I had found myself. A new self. And I had found her.

Bald Girlfriend

The night before had been a blur—tears, angry words, silence that screamed louder than any argument. Seema sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the reflection in the mirror. Her hair, once her crowning glory, felt like a weight dragging her down, a reminder of everything that had gone wrong. The breakup was final, and the ache was raw. She needed to shed more than just the memories. She needed to shed the old Seema. The idea struck her suddenly, almost violently—she would shave her head smooth. No more hiding behind strands of hair, no more feeling like a shadow of herself. She wanted to look in the mirror and see someone new, someone fierce. The next morning, she found herself walking into a small, tucked-away barber shop she'd never noticed before. The bell chimed softly as she pushed the door open. The scent of aftershave and freshly cut hair filled the air. Behind the counter stood a woman with a warm smile and sharp eyes that seemed to see right through her. “Hey there,” she said, “What can I do for you today?” Seema hesitated, then said, “I want to shave my head. Completely smooth.” The woman nodded, her smile widening. “I’m Riya. You’re in the right place. Let’s get started.” As Riya prepared her tools, Seema felt a strange calm settle over her. The buzzing of the clippers, the feel of her hair falling away in patches—it was liberating and terrifying all at once. When the clippers finally gave way to the razor, Seema’s heart pounded. The cool blade glided over her scalp, removing every last trace of hair. Riya worked with a gentle confidence, her hands steady and sure. When she finished, she brushed her hand softly over Seema’s smooth scalp. “You look incredible,” she said softly. Seema looked up, surprised by the tenderness in Riya’s voice and the warmth in her eyes. “I don’t know if I’m ready to look like this,” she admitted. Riya smiled, stepping closer. “Sometimes, change is scary. But it’s also powerful.” Without thinking, Riya leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Seema’s newly shaved head. Seema’s breath caught in her throat, emotions swirling inside her like a storm. The kiss was soft, comforting, and intimate. It was a balm to her wounded soul. Seema reached out, pulling Riya closer, and their lips met in a tender kiss. Riya’s hand moved to rub Seema’s smooth scalp, a soothing gesture that made Seema’s eyes well up with tears—not of sadness, but of hope. In that small barber shop, amidst the scent of aftershave and the hum of the city outside, Seema found something she hadn’t expected: a connection, a spark, and the beginning of a new chapter. Days passed, and Seema’s reflection grew more familiar, more like herself. The smoothness of her scalp reminded her daily that she had the strength to let go, to start over. And every time she met Riya’s eyes, she saw the promise of something beautiful unfolding. They met again, this time outside the shop, walking through the city streets hand in hand. The world felt different—brighter, more full of possibilities. “Thank you,” Seema whispered one evening as they sat beneath a canopy of stars. “For what?” Riya asked, brushing a stray lock of hair from Seema’s face—though there was none left. “For helping me find myself.” Riya smiled, her fingers tracing the curve of Seema’s smooth head. “I think you found me, too.” And in that moment, Seema knew she was ready to face whatever came next, with her head held high and her heart wide open.

Just shave that head. Collage girls Headshave

I'll never forget that sweltering summer night when my friends Reema, Rina, and I decided to take a walk down the empty streets. We were three girls with long, bold, and funny hair, and the heat was getting unbearable. As we strolled, laughing and joking, we stumbled upon a small barbershop that was still open despite the late hour. The sign above the door read "Mahesh's Barber Shop" in faded letters, and the window was dimly lit, but we could see the silhouette of the barber sitting inside. Reema, being the adventurous one, pushed open the door, and we stepped inside. The barber, an old man with a kind face, looked up from his chair and greeted us with a warm smile. "Welcome, girls! What brings you out so late?" he asked, eyeing our long locks. Rina, who was always up for a challenge, spoke up, "We're dying from the heat, and our hair is making it worse. We were thinking of getting rid of it all." The barber's eyes lit up, and he nodded enthusiastically. "Ah, you're thinking of shaving your heads? Well, I've done it for many a brave soul, but never for three lovely ladies like yourselves." We giggled at the thought, but the heat was getting to us, and the idea was starting to appeal. Seema, the most cautious of our group, asked, "But won't it be too drastic? We'll look like...like..." She struggled to find the right words. The barber chuckled. "Like new-born babies? Don't worry, my dear, you'll look beautiful, and it will be a relief from this sweltering heat." He gestured to the straight razor lying on his counter, its blade glinting in the dim light. "I'll use this old friend of mine. It's been with me for years, and it will give you a smooth, clean shave." I have to admit, the thought of shaving our heads with a straight razor was both thrilling and terrifying. But Reema, being the bold one, took the lead. "Let's do it!" she exclaimed. "We're in this together, right?" The barber nodded and beckoned us to sit in his chair, one by one. Rina went first, and as the barber began to lather her hair, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The first snip of the razor made us all jump, but the barber's hands were steady and sure. As the hair fell away, revealing Rina's smooth scalp, we cheered her on. Next was Seema, who was a bit more hesitant, but the barber reassured her, "Don't worry, I'll be gentle." As he worked his magic, Seema's long locks fell to the floor, and she looked...different, yet still beautiful. Finally, it was my turn. I sat in the chair, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The barber smiled and began to lather my hair. As the razor glided across my scalp, I felt a strange sense of liberation. It was as if I was shedding not just my hair but also my inhibitions. As we sat there, one by one, getting our heads shaved, the barber regaled us with stories of his own youthful adventures. He told us about the time he had shaved his head as a young man, as a vow to his deity, and how it had become a ritual for him to shave the heads of those seeking relief from the heat. The process was not just about getting a haircut; it was an experience. The dim lighting, the soft hum of the barber's radio in the background, and the feeling of the cool night air on our newly shaved heads all combined to create a sense of camaraderie among us. As we left the barbershop, our bald heads held high, we felt like new women. The night air, which had felt oppressive just a while ago, now felt refreshing. We strolled down the empty streets, our footsteps echoing off the buildings, and our laughter carrying on the wind. People we passed by stared, some in surprise, others in admiration. We didn't care; we felt free, unencumbered by the weight of our long hair. We joked and teased each other, our bald heads glinting in the streetlights. As we walked, we noticed the way the world looked different without the burden of our hair. The stars seemed brighter, the air felt cooler, and we felt more connected to each other. We took selfies, our shiny heads making us look like a trio of mischievous pixies. The night wore on, and eventually, we made our way back home, exhausted but exhilarated. As we settled into bed, our newly shaved heads felt cool against the pillow. We knew that this was a night we would never forget, a night that had brought us closer together. The next morning, we woke up to a barrage of messages from friends and family, some shocked, others supportive. But we didn't care; we knew we had done something special, something that had bonded us in a way we never thought possible. As I look back on that night, I realize that it was more than just a haircut; it was an experience that changed us. We emerged from Mahesh's Barber Shop as three bold, bald, and beautiful women, ready to take on the world, or at least the summer heat.

Headshave due to summer

As I walked down the empty street with my best friends Seema, Reema, and Rina, I couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom that only comes with a warm summer night. The four of us had been inseparable since college, and our nightly walks had become a cherished tradition. Seema, with her long, flowing hair, was the boldest of the group. She had a way of making us all laugh, even in the most tense situations. Reema, with her sharp wit and intelligence, was always the one to come up with the craziest ideas. And Rina, the kind-hearted and gentle soul, was the glue that held us all together. As we passed by a barbershop, Seema stopped in her tracks. "Hey, guys, check this out," she said, gesturing towards the window. "It's so hot outside, and I've been thinking about cutting my hair. What if we all got our heads shaved with a straight razor?" Reema's eyes lit up. "That's a fantastic idea! It would be so refreshing and different." Rina looked hesitant. "But won't it be too drastic? I've never even had a pixie cut before." Seema put a hand on Rina's shoulder. "Come on, Rina. It's just hair. It will grow back. And think of how amazing it will feel to have the wind blowing through your scalp on these hot summer nights." I could see the excitement in Rina's eyes as she considered the idea. "Okay, let's do it," she said finally. We walked into the barbershop, and the smell of hair products and the sound of scissors snipping filled the air. The barber, an older man with a kind face, looked at us curiously. "Can I help you ladies?" Seema spoke up. "Yes, we want to get our heads shaved with a straight razor." The barber raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? It's a big change." We all nodded eagerly. He shrugged. "Alright then, have a seat." As the barber worked his way around each of our heads, the weight of our long hair fell away, leaving us feeling lighter and more free than we had in a long time. We laughed and joked with each other, relishing in the feeling of the cool metal blade against our scalps. When the barber was finished, he turned us around to face the mirror. We were all shocked at our new reflections. Our heads were bald, and our faces looked stark and bare without the frame of our long hair. But there was something undeniably powerful about our new looks. We paid the barber and stepped out onto the empty street, feeling the wind blow through our scalps. It was exhilarating. As we walked, we drew stares and whispers from passersby. Some people looked at us with confusion, while others gave us admiring glances. But we didn't care. We were having the time of our lives. We stopped at a nearby café for a late-night snack, and the waitstaff couldn't take their eyes off of us. We laughed and joked, feeling more confident than ever before. As the night wore on, we continued our walk, taking in the sights and sounds of the city at night. We talked about everything and nothing, reveling in the freedom that came with our new looks. By the time we made it back to our apartment, we were exhausted but exhilarated. We collapsed onto the couch, still marveling at our new appearances. Seema spoke up. "I can't believe we did that. It was so crazy and spontaneous." Reema grinned. "It was one of the best decisions we've ever made." Rina looked at us, her eyes shining with emotion. "I never would have done something like this without you guys. You're my sisters, and I love you." We all hugged each other tightly, feeling grateful for the bond that we shared. As we drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this crazy, unforgettable night. We had taken a risk, and it had paid off in a way that we never could have imagined. From that night on, we embraced our new looks with confidence and pride. We walked down the street with our heads held high, unapologetic and bold. And every time we looked in the mirror, we were reminded of the power of friendship and the strength that comes from taking a risk. It was a summer night that we would never forget, a night that would forever be etched in our memories. And even as our hair grew back, the memory of that night would stay with us, a reminder of the power of friendship and the beauty of taking a risk.

Temple head shave

The hum of the electric razor vibrated in my hand, a stark counterpoint to the rhythmic chanting drifting from the temple courtyard. Dust motes danced in the afternoon sunbeams slanting through the open doorway of the small, dimly lit room. My reflection, pale and apprehensive, stared back at me. This was it. No turning back. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and began. Leaving home had felt like a silent scream. Not a dramatic, tearful exit, but a quiet severing, a slow fade-to-black. Twenty-two years I'd lived under the same roof, a tapestry woven with the familiar textures of my family's expectations, their unspoken rules, their carefully cultivated image of me – the dutiful daughter, the successful student, the future doctor. But the threads of that tapestry had begun to fray, and I, trapped within its suffocating embrace, felt myself unraveling. My decision to shave my head at the temple wasn't a sudden impulse. It was the culmination of a long, simmering rebellion, a silent protest against the invisible chains binding me. It was about shedding not just hair, but the weight of expectation, the suffocating pressure to conform, the stifling sense of being someone I wasn't. I'd always felt a pull towards something different, something beyond the prescribed path laid out for me. A yearning for a life less ordinary, a soul less defined by societal norms. The journey to the temple itself was a metaphor for my journey inward. The familiar streets of my hometown blurred past, replaced by the unfamiliar landscape of my own burgeoning self-discovery. I boarded a bus, a silent observer amidst the chatter and bustle of daily life. The city faded, replaced by sprawling countryside. The rhythm of the bus engine became a hypnotic beat, accompanying the pounding of my own heart, a drum solo of uncertainty and anticipation. The temple, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, was a haven of serenity amidst the chaos of my inner turmoil. The air hummed with a palpable energy, a sense of peace that washed over me, calming my racing thoughts. The scent of incense and sandalwood filled my lungs, a comforting embrace. I felt, for the first time in a long time, a sense of calm. A quiet acceptance. The act of shaving my head wasn't a spectacle. It was a deeply personal ritual, a stripping away of layers, a shedding of skin. With each stroke of the razor, I felt a sense of liberation, a release from the constraints of my past. The strands of hair, once a symbol of femininity, societal expectations, and family pride, fell to the floor, a tangible representation of the old me dissolving. The smooth, cool skin of my scalp felt strangely liberating. Beneath the weight of expectations, what had been hidden was revealed. I looked into the mirror, and a different person stared back. There was a strength in my eyes, a quiet confidence in my posture, that hadn’t been there before. I felt lighter, unburdened, free. The return journey was different. The landscape, once a blur of indistinct shapes, now seemed sharper, clearer. The familiar streets of my hometown felt strangely foreign. I was a stranger in a familiar land, different yet the same. The reaction of my family was… complex. My mother’s tears were a mix of fear and disappointment, a silent confession of her own struggles with societal expectations. My father, ever stoic, surprised me with a quiet acceptance, a recognition of the strength in my decision. My siblings, initially shocked, soon embraced the new me, their admiration evident in their eyes. Their understanding, though initially hesitant, became a source of comfort and support. In the following weeks, I navigated a myriad of emotions. There were moments of doubt, of questioning whether I had made the right decision. But these moments were fleeting, quickly overshadowed by the overwhelming sense of freedom and self-discovery that accompanied my new look. My shaved head became a symbol, a conversation starter. It was a testament to my courage, my resilience, my pursuit of authenticity. People reacted differently, some with curiosity, some with judgment, some with admiration. But none of their reactions could eclipse the profound sense of peace and contentment that emanated from within. My journey wasn't merely about shaving my head. It was about breaking free from the suffocating grip of expectations, embracing my individuality, and boldly carving my own path in the world. Looking back, the hum of the electric razor fades into a distant memory, replaced by the echo of my own liberated voice – a voice that, now, is finally free to speak its truth. And that, more than the smooth, shaved head, is the truest reflection of my transformation.

Baldgirl Headshave experiance

The razor felt cold against my skin, a stark contrast to the burning in my chest. My reflection stared back, a stranger with tear-streake...