Business had been bad at the smile boutique ever since they started giving out “It’s OK to be sad” bumper stickers. It is amazing what people will do when given permission. Mothers of children who dyed their hair black, took pictures of themselves in mirrors, and put them online took a cue from their kids. Everyone carried handkerchiefs, hand-embroidered with their initials. No one hid the ways that they hurt themselves. Some people went alone to the woods, sitting for hours with only woods sounds. Others demonized the ones they loved and knew exactly why they did it. The people who had sex always cried afterwards, so crying made everyone think of sex. Ice cream was acceptable for every meal. Adults treated themselves to things that might cheer them up, like square-ruled notebooks and nickel-candy. Old men and young ladies took long baths to loud music. Young men stared through mirrors and shaved. Children drew pictures of people in front of houses, everyone with big crossed-out heads.