Michelle gazed into the mirror and saw a tired old woman staring back at her. She studied the reflection, as if trying to recognize herself. The eyes looked worn, yet still like pools of golden honey. The valleys across the landscape, deep lines set into her face. Roots of grey hair had started to show through the dyed brown.

She felt a tightness in her chest as she fixed her own hair for the third time. Beads of sweat started to form on her forehead, so she neatly wiped them away with a napkin trying not to smear her makeup. She took in a deep breath, holding it in for a second before letting it out. She could hear her own heart beating through her chest.

With suddenness, John Dice barged into the room. Her heart skipped a beat. She immediately stood up and moved towards him. “Hi, thanks for having me on John.” She reaches out with her left hand to shake John’s hand. John hesitated before reaching out with his own.

“Not a problem! Now, before you go on, there are some things we should go over. First off, when you talk don’t forget to look directly into the camera. Statistics show that the viewers find it more dramatic.”

“Yeah of course, I’ll make sure to do that. Anything else?” For a brief moment, her nervousness was eclipsed by excitement.

“Try to answer any questions as honestly and openly as you can. Don’t leave out any details if possible. Remember, it’s in your contract. We go on in two minutes, so please don’t fuck this up.” John impatiently glanced at his watch, letting out an exaggerated sigh.  

Michelle started to straighten her hair again. “I know, I know. Also, now might not be a good time, but do you remember what we discussed on the phone? About the pay?”

“You don’t discuss that with me,” he said with irritation. “You’ll want to talk to my assistant, and he’ll sort that out with you.” John looked at his watch again. “60 seconds!” He knocked on the door and his assistants quickly rushed in. John started to exit the room but paused and turned to look at her. “Remember, I need these ratings.”

John left the room and walked towards the brightly lit stage, stopping just out of view. The murmur of the crowd shifting in their seats, brimming with anticipation, revealed how eager they were for the show to start. Large camera equipment was tactfully stationed around the room to capture the event. John quickly fixed his hair with a short comb which had been tucked inside his checkered navy jacket. He stretched his lips widely, contorting his face into a smile and stepped into the light.

“Today on CHS News, we have a very special guest for everyone. Our visitor today is the infamous villain Ms. Universe, once able to snap her fingers and teleport to any location in the world without a moment’s notice. Now, I know most of you are wondering why we have Ms. Universe coming in today. You’re thinking, ‘John, why in God’s name would you bring her of all people to your show and the answer is……why not?” He paused for dramatic effect, gauging their reactions. “We all know that Ms. Universe has retired from the scene and has spent years in prison for crimes she committed, so shouldn’t we hear what she has to say for herself? So, without further ado, Michelle Scott Dean everyone.”

Michelle walked onto the stage slightly unsure of herself. The lack of applause was deafening, a stretch of silence taking its place. Bright white lights immediately blinded her, but she made sure to smile at the camera as she walked towards the host. She took note of the crowd, seeing a mix of well-dressed men and women. Their attention was solely on her, conflicting expressions on their faces, reminding her of a jury. They sat on fold out chairs that rose with each row,

 Michelle was wearing a cheaply made olive green dress that complimented her dark complexion. The studio had provided it at the last minute, scolding her for not coming with a dress of her own.

Even behind the veil of her age, anyone could tell that Michelle was a beautiful woman. Sharp cheekbones, full lips, and striking eyes gave her a regal presence she though lost. Michelle took a moment to collect herself, taking in a deep breath before sitting in a modern taupe sofa facing the camera. She directed her smile at John, his cheeks filled, eyebrows drawn upwards, perfect golden hair and a sharp plastic nose.

“Hello John, it’s been too long” Michelle said as she tried to get comfortable in her seat.

“Why yes, I guess it has been. If I’m not wrong, you were released 4 weeks ago. I was there when they released you. I couldn’t believe it myself. That they just…. let you go. You caused a big storm in the news when you got out, did you not?”

“Yes, I believe I did. Honestly, I didn’t expect a crowd of people to be waiting for me as soon as I stepped out. It seemed like every kid with a cellphone was there filming me, like they were waiting for something to happen. I guess they thought that flames would shoot out of my eyes or something.” Michelle chuckled to herself. “If I knew so many people were going to be there, I would have worked on my makeup a little longer.”

“To me, it actually seemed like most of them were there to protest your release from prison.” John looked to the crowd, seeing a few people nod their heads.

“Yes, I realize that, but it wasn’t up to them was it? It was up to the presiding committee and they thought I had spent enough time behind bars.”

 “Michelle, how exactly was your time behind bars?” His eyes focused back on her.

“I think it was a chance for me to finally think in silence. There was so much noise and commotion, that I hardly had a chance to think. I thought about all the things I missed out on, like family. I was so focused on everything that was happening, that I…. ruined any chance I had of raising a family. I know it sounds corny and cliché, but I sat there in my cell and that was one regret I kept on revisiting.”

 “I see. And what did you do with this feeling?”

“Well, what could I do John? I was locked up, so I had to let go of any chances I had at being a mother. It’s too late for me.” Her voice trembled slightly, but she recomposed herself before the next question came.

“You were locked up for a long time Michelle. Are there any other thoughts you would dwell on?”

“With time, I was able to let a lot of things go, like the anger I held for others. I thought about everything I did, and I think I’ve paid for all of it. I’ve grown a lot as a person after being behind bars.”

“You know Michelle, I think everyone here wants to know something about you. What do you think you’ll do, now that you’ve been released from prison? Do you have any plans?”

“Well, I’d like to try my hand at something new, like…. working for the tax bureau and stealing your money the ethical way. Now isn’t that a job for someone like me?” 

The crowd couldn’t help but laugh. How could they not? Michelle was being unexpectedly charming. It felt wrong to laugh, but who knows? Maybe she really had grown as a person. In a world that lacked balance, no one was expected to be perfect. Everyone hid their pain behind fake smiles, their troubles behind private vices. So long as someone sold them on empty promises or offered them entertainment, the people were content.

“You know, a lot of people would be upset to hear you say that Michelle?” A hush fell over the crowd, the laughs dying out slowly. The mood shifting quickly.

“Say what, that the tax revenue agency only hires criminals? I’d fit right in.” Michelle chuckled again, finding that no one laughed along this time. She reached over at a glass of water sitting on a table and took a quick sip.

“Sorry, let me clarify. A lot of people would be upset to hear that you moved on. Especially after everything you’ve done. Let’s not forget how you planned the assassinations of several business executives, drugged a congressman, terrorized a researcher by planting claymores in his own home….”

“They never found proof that it was actually me who planted them,” she interjected.

“And let’s not forget, taking part in an extermination of heroes. Many people believe that you’re one of the reasons that we haven’t seen a single hero come out of the works for almost 20 years.”

A shadow had cast itself over her, like a storm cloud festering in the distance. Her shoulders slightly hunched, her breathing had turned shallow. “You know I can’t talk about that day.”

“Well why not? It’s one of the most tragic moment in our history and nobody DARES to say a single word about it. Everyone would like to pretend that we’ve moved on, but have we?” Not a single noise came from the crowd. They were all sitting on the edge of their seats, eager to hear what came next. Scrutinizing faces sat comfortably, looking to Michelle, waiting for her answer.

Michelle noticed that she was sweating again. Her lips searching for words that weren’t there.

“Well it’s time for a commercial break Michelle. I’m sure we both need it. We’ll be back after these short messages everyone! So, don’t you dare change the channel.” John Dice dramatically pointed towards the camera, winking and flashing a smile.