Smoke and Mirrors.

"Smoke and Mirrors" by Dulce Maria Cardoso explores the author's childhood desire to be a smoker like her father, reflecting on how our identities are shaped by gestures and memories. The text delves into themes of self-perception, mental illness, and the relationship between body and mind. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the author contemplates the nature of self, thought, and existence, ultimately questioning the essence of individuality and the impact of fiction on shaping our identities. [Extracted from the article]