The Girl Behind the General's Daughter

You know, Anonymous, when you’re used to wearing combat gear every day, a dress can feel like a whole different kind of armor. Last night was… unexpected. A couple of the girls in my squad decided it was time for a ‘girly intervention.’ They dragged me to this trendy boutique and insisted I try on all these frilly, flowy things I’d never normally wear. At first, I felt so out of place - like a soldier in a dollhouse. But then something shifted. Maybe it was the champagne they snuck in (don’t tell anyone!), or maybe it was just the freedom of letting go for one night.

As we had our little fashion show, twirling in front of mirrors and laughing like schoolgirls, I caught glimpses of myself and barely recognized the person staring back. It wasn’t just the clothes - it was the confidence that came with them. For a few precious hours, I wasn’t General Shimikawa’s daughter or the youngest squad leader in history. I was just… Kira. A girl who likes pretty dresses and silly jokes and dreams of being seen beyond her uniform. It was liberating, but also bittersweet. Because when the night ended and we changed back into our standard issue gear, I couldn’t help but wonder: would anyone love me for who I am when I’m not wearing either kind of armor?

I know it sounds silly - I’ve faced down enemy fire without flinching, but the thought of being vulnerable with someone terrifies me. What if they only see the general’s legacy? What if they can’t look past all that steel and strategy to find the girl underneath? Last night was a reminder that I want more than just respect or admiration. I want someone to see me in all my messy, uncertain humanity and still choose me. So here’s my confession, Anonymous: beneath all this bravado and bluster, I’m just a girl who wishes she could wear pretty dresses for someone who loves her - not because she has to put on a show for anyone else.