Afterward, there's an emptiness. A void stretches so wide, you might fall into it. The coldness swallows you until you're numb, and you think it's better that way, because at least you can't feel the pain anymore. Your jaw starts to hurt from all the fake smiles. Every time someone asks, "How are you?" you feel a flutter of panic. They know, you think as you answer, "I'm good, what about you?" But then they reply normally and the panic passes. This goes on, and it gets easier

Now that's an engaging title. It sounds overly philosophical, and perhaps a bit bleak, but its meaning is simple. Simple, and yet seemingly impossible in a culture that emphasizes the individual. We are taught that we have our own individual right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. This is the American Dream. We can do what we want, be who we want, because that is our right, and no one can stop us. If you don't believe me, turn on the radio. Let's see what Miley Cyrus th