Ethan's thoughts grew darker as the days wore on. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was an imposter, a hollow shell of a man pretending to be happy. He began to avoid his reflection in mirrors, afraid of the eyes that stared back at him, filled with sadness he couldn't explain.
But still, he smiled. He laughed. He carried groceries for Mrs. Callahan, baked pies for fundraisers, and played Santa for the kids at the hospital. People kept saying, "You're such a nice man, Ethan." And he kept pretending it was enough.