ELOISE
The morning sun cut through the tall pine trees of the Weller estate, casting sharp, golden slats of light across my bedroom floor.
I stood in front of my full-length mirror, a quiet, unfamiliar confidence humming beneath my skin. The words of Clara and Sarah from the boutique hadn’t just stayed with me; they had catalyzed something new. For the first time, I wasn’t pulling on an oversized shroud to hide from the world. Today, I wore the new emerald-green ribbed knit dress I had received from the boutique. It hugged my frame elegantly, accentuating my waist and falling into a clean, sophisticated silhouette. I had spent extra time on my hair, letting the rich waves frame a face that was finally glowing with self-possession.
I looked beautiful. I looked like a girl who belonge
