The Girl In The Mirror Hmm. I don't think you should go out in that.' Why not? I grimace and stare hard into the mirror. Yes. I knew it. I just thought, maybe, I might... 'You're kidding right? You're not really considering it? I'm just telling you what everyone else will be thinking. You know I'm right. Look at your legs. You know you're not a skirt person. And that one... Well it makes your calves look pretty big. Better to hear it now than have to suffer all the stares.' I see them now: bulbous, elephantine stumps. Oh God! How could I even think about exposing myself! No. I couldn't. It would be too much. Search the cupboard; find something else to wear. 'Yes. I think it's for the best. You know I only want you to be happy. What about those? Black hides a multitude of sins after all! It's nice and baggy so no-one will see any hint of what's beneath. And it will be comfy too. There now! That's nicer isn't it. Not risky at all.' Yes. I accept. But why do I still feel that longing? I see myself, see the girl swamped in fabric. A safety blanket. I wish, I pray... For something to change. I want to say, 'I'm beautiful.' But I can't, because all I can hear is... 'You're fat. Accept it.' (Written after watching presentation on eating disorders.)