Really?

“Really?” is that expression I carry all too often—a mix of high standards and silent disbelief. Growing up, high expectations were impressed upon me, and now, letting go or easing up feels nearly impossible. The robot in this piece has no mouth, a reflection of the restraint I’ve learned over time, holding back from saying anything even when I feel like questioning everything around me.

The robot’s wide, questioning eyes and the chaotic background of reds and blacks capture that tension between wanting things to be just right and holding back from expressing it. “Really?” is a reminder of the times I choose silence, even though my standards and thoughts are louder than ever.