[ WP ] Write a story utilizing the phrase `` We all wear many masks , '' in a literal sense .

`` And that's the Ebola mask,'' Delia said, pulling it just a bit to the side. `` This one's in case I run into a masquerade ball on the way to work.'' 
 
 `` What's the likelihood of that happening?'' Roger asked. He moved his mashed potatoes around the plate. They were cold and he was n't really hungry: this date was never going to end. 
 
 `` I just want to be prepared, you know? Look,'' she said, grabbing her enormous handbag from under the cafe table, `` here's a gas mask. You think I'm going to have to use that anytime soon? Not likely, but when are you going to have one if you need it, unless you bring it with you everywhere?'' 
 
 `` Sure, I mean, good idea. You never really know, I guess.'' Roger could n't look at his phone to see the time. But it was 9:45, and they'd been here for an hour and a half. So many masks -- she was obsessed. 
 
 `` Exactly. And while everyone else is going to be freaking out when the sky starts falling, I'm going to put on my masks and be just fine.'' 
 
 `` Fine, of course.'' That's exactly what she would n't be, he figured. But he kept a straight face, and tried to smile from time to time, even nodding when necessary. Two could wear masks. 
 
 But now she was trying more on. `` This is just a regular oxygen mask. In case it's too smoggy or something. Have n't used it since I bought it, but it was on sale.'' 
 
 `` Do n't you need an oxygen tank to pair with that?'' 
 
 Delia just glared at him. `` Very funny.'' 
 
 Roger just shrugged and smiled. `` You know, I used to wear a mask.'' 
 
 `` What kind?'' 
 
 `` A catcher's mask. I played baseball.'' 
 
 `` Oh.'' 
 
 `` What's wrong with that?'' 
 
 `` Nothing, I just do n't see masks as a plaything or a toy. They're tools. Not something to be cheapened by ubiquity.'' 
 
 `` What about your masquerade piece, there? Is n't that a game?'' Roger pointed with his fork to Delia's massive bag. 
 
 She shook her head, unsmiling. `` Rich and important people throw masquerade balls all the time. They're nothing to joke about.'' 
 
 Roger smiled even bigger. `` What about clown masks? Theatrical masks? Masks are for playing, my dear. Let me show you.'' He took hold of her handbag and opened it up, dumping the contents out on their table full of dishes. 
 
 Delia yelped and swept her masks up, dumping them into her bag. `` I ca n't stand people like you, unable to take things seriously.'' She flounced out of the diner. 
 
 But Roger's smile did n't fade. She'd helped him drop his own mask, of civility, and now the real clown underneath was loosed.
