People are so fascinating. I suppose I have always known this, but it is only recently that I have taken the time to notice. Everyday I sit here, on this park bench, and I watch. I like to watch the people going about their business. To notice the individuality each possesses. They may dress the same, wearing designer clothes and shoes, following fashion trends, but I know. It's in their faces. Each person is unique, no two are alike, even twins. They try to blend in, be faceless in the crowd, but it's impossible to hide. Each face tells a story, a lifetime of joys and sorrows all etched permanently for the world to see.

A young woman strolls down the street pushing a pram. Her five-year-old daughter toddles along behind her, eyes wide at the wonderful curiosities of the world around her. Her face is exquisite, the very essence of innocence. Golden curls frame her porcelain face; shining with a healthy glow. Her candy cheeks match the rosebud lips, smiling to reveal pearly white teeth. And her eyes, the windows of her soul, sparkle brightly as the stars in the heavens. As she walks close to her mother, she spots a single flower growing up through the pavement. Tugging on her mummy's dress, she rescues it from the concrete and presents it as a royal gift. The expression on mummy's face leaves nothing to be said. Hand in hand they keep walking together, with a spring in each step, and a smile on each face.

Two teenage lovebirds occupy a bench further up the street. Arms around each other, they whisper sweet sayings, oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the world around them. She has a look of serenity on her young face, happy to live the moment and be with her love. Her mouth smiles beautifully and returns his kisses. Green eyes light up as he talks, betraying her deepest thoughts. Her love, a slightly older gentleman, holds her as though she will disappear in an instant. His eyes are full of pure adoration as he looks upon her smiling countenance. Their faces are a delight to watch, a smorgasboard of raw emotion, uncorrupted by the fast-paced world. I file them away in my mind, knowing I will want to replay it again. A café across the street seats a middle-aged business woman. Her expensive suit and designer shoes give an impression of wealth. But her face tells a different story. Behind the slicked back hair and professional makeup is a woman who has had to fight her way to the top. Her demeanor is one of true humbleness. As the waitress brings her coffee, she reflects her gratefulness in a warm smile and a large tip. A baby at an adjacent table drops his toy, wailing at his loss. She immediately picks it up and places it gently in the baby's arms. Her friendly face soothes the baby, who giggles with delight at the funny faces she pulls. She comments on the baby's beauty, then returns to her coffee. Her face is glowing with joy at the baby's and mother's happiness. She makes me smile if only for a moment. She is a gem, destined to be noticed in a crowd of cruel and heartless people.

All these people with faces that tell a million stories. I stare straight ahead into the eyes of the old woman directly across from me. Her face is wrinkled from the years of her long life, but her eyes still sparkle with youthful enthusiasm. I do not have to look twice to know her story. This old woman is me. In her face is the history of the world, from the farthest reaches of time. For I am Kayel, damned to spend eternity as a young woman but see the reflection of my old age everywhere I go. Like the evil queen in Snow White, I was a vain young woman who dared to cast a spell of youthfulness. Now it is my reflection that ages, and my soul as well; my punishment for seeking the fountain of youth. And so I sit here, watching the people go by, studying their faces, drinking of their lives until eternity is ended.