Teri’s friends like to call her “Tearie” because she can tear up at the drop of a hat, like when she sees a wilting plant, she would tear up, “Poor plant,” she would say, “she probably needs a drink.” She can get teared up over everyday situations but somehow, she can never cry at her acting auditions, she can never let the floodgates open, let her natural tears fall on demand.

“I should just give up acting for good,” she said to her roommate one day, tossing the script into the garbage bin after another failed audition. “I’ve seen you cry on your Instagram, you can do it,” the director had said at the audition as she tried to cry but all it made her do was look constipated. A moment later, the director tossed his glasses on the table and leaned back in his chair, “Sorry,” he said, “but we’ll have to pass.” At that moment, a tear bubbled up at the corner of her eyes but still, the director shouted, “Next!”

Written for Six Sentence Story. The prompt is “Tear”.