lady bird

People are afraid of beautiful things.

Beautiful things must stay undefiled and perfect. Crown jewels mustn't get dusty, after all. They remain unmoving and are only aired out when necessary.

Why else are museums so quiet? Art can only be observed from a distance-at arm's length. Various paintings, pieces, calligraphy, and pressed flowers securely placed in their respective frames, trapped behind glass and gold.

Take one step too close and the deafening alarms will sound. You will be chastised for your insolence.

Ayaka learns this far too late.

What's worse is that she is the one trapped in the picture-perfect frame. She cannot escape and must shoulder her burdens behind closed doors. Those moments when the large crowd's awe turns to fear makes Ayaka feel like she is breaking inside.

Ayaka thinks that she is just herself. (No, not really.) She is a princess and must act like it.