Observation

Where did all the colors go? Maude rubbed her eyes, smearing the last of the night’s brilliance. Around her, the wreckage of revelry: masks abandoned mid-laugh, fermenting fruit, someone snoring in a headdress. A voice muttered from the vines, “I think I absorbed three people’s body paint,” grumbled Francis. Maude sighed. A cough. “The colors never really leave,” muttered Percival. From a tree, Edwin groaned, “We were promised brighter things!” Masquerade Rule #1: Everything is permanent.

Response 1

"Where did all the colors go? Clarence to his shattered mask, "Did I break it, or did it break me?" "We were promised brighter things." Reginald chuckled. "At least you remember breaking something." Masquerade Rule #4: The blur means you did it right."

Response 2

“Where did all the colors go?” Francis traced a lipstick smear. “This wasn’t my shade.” Edwin, “We were promised brighter things.” Maude smirked. “Some colors don’t wash off.” Masquerade Rule #5: Wear a mask long enough, & it starts wearing you."

Response 3

“Where did all the colors go?” Alfred groaned. “I think I slept in the wrong place.” A giggle from the vines. “We were promised brighter things.” Reginald traced a smudge. “I think I took someone with me.” Masquerade Rule #6: No one leaves untouched."

Revision

“Where did all the colors go?” Maude asked again. Edwin shrugged. “Maybe we were the colors all along.”

Material

Ebony

Region

sprawl

Bond

Code Switchers