10 p.m., the weight of time spent looking in the mirror while filling the humidifier

It's a bitter night, and I can feel the wind outside getting harsher. It's already well past 10 o'clock, and the humidifier in the living room is already empty, so I've had to refill it. Perhaps because it's winter, the indoor air is incredibly dry. Listening to the sound of water at this hour calms my mind, but at the same time, I'm also concerned about my skin, which has become increasingly rough. Now that I'm in my 40s, it seems like my skin texture, rather than the air itself, is the first to notice the change in seasons. After washing my face, I look closely in the mirror, and I can't believe how dry my fine lines and wrinkles look. In the past, I simply thought applying generous amounts of cosmetics that others recommended was the best way to stay healthy. But now, I've made it a habit to carefully monitor my skin condition every night and keep a record, even if it's just a little. Some days my skin feels particularly dry, others my skin feels flaky, and I'm trying to keep track of these subtle changes. Instead of ignoring the small signals my skin sends, I write them down one by one, like keeping a diary. Eventually, I begin to see what care I need right now. These days, I realize that the power of honestly facing my daily self like this, rather than grandiose methods, is greater. On a quiet night, amidst the white smoke rising from the humidifier, I quietly record my day. I hope you all have a restful night in this dry weather.