I smile as I exit the chat window and plug in my ear pods to play my favourite songs. This used to be my playlist back in school. I’ve been feeling extremely happy these last few days, and the music fits right in with my mood. When I finally enter my office building and take my ear pods off, I can still feel the music thrumming in every inch of my body. Like the blood flowing in my veins, it makes me tap my feet while I wait for the elevator. If you’re walking around and doing things while listening to music playing in the background without there actually being any music in the background, then you’re dancing with the tune of life, not to the tune of life! And I can tell you that it’s one of the best feelings in the world.

I’ve just put my bag down on my desk when Emma approaches me hurriedly. ‘Can you spot anything new about me?’ she asks, with an eyebrow raised in question.

I scan her from top to bottom and then from left to right, but I find nothing unusual. She looks perfect to me, like she always does. Her facial features are just the right proportion and the clothes she wears are always in fashion. Her hair is glossy and cut in a chic style. And even though I often envy how she looks so well put-together, she longs for my dusky skin tone and thick eyebrows and tells me frequently that most women struggle to grow brows and lashes like mine.

‘I’m sorry, Emma, but I can’t see anything new,’ I reply, knowing that it will instantly upset her. But I have no freaking idea what validation she’s seeking today.

‘Ugh. Let me help you out here, babe. Check my face, the upper half of my face to be exact,’ she says with a lot of enthusiasm in her voice.

I peer intently at her face. ‘I’m sorry. But I’m really not able to figure it out.’ I hesitate.

‘Look at my forehead, near my eyes. Can’t you see that the wrinkles are completely gone?’ she demands. Emma is so self-obsessed that sometimes she inspires me to think more about myself!

‘Oh yes! It’s looking great. But Emma, I’ve always thought that you have flawless skin. I’ve never noticed your wrinkles,’ I say truthfully.

‘That’s sweet, babe. But Botox is magic. Maybe you should also get a shot. Now is the right time, because once we’ve aged a lot, it doesn’t work so well,’ she advises me in all seriousness.