By Juliette Beauchamp
The start of school is a relief to Ben. At home, the cabinets are bare, the busted refrigerator unplugged. School means two meals a day, free for those who qualify. He qualifies. At lunchtime, a gloved hand slips him extra rolls over the counter.
Ben carries his tray to an unoccupied classroom where he can pretend he doesn’t mind eating alone. There is a girl’s bathroom next door, the sounds of self-loathing drifting down the hall. He wants to tell the girl she’s already beautiful. He wants to ask her for tomorrow’s lunch, if she’s just going to throw it up.
Beautifully written! Great last line…
Delivers a one-two punch, Well crafted.
Wow, powerful! Well done!
I am a high school teacher and so, this resonates for me. Powerful and heartbreaking.
Such pathos! Heartbreaking
So sad. So real. Well-done
Thoughtful and reflective.
anorexia is awful. so is hunger. thanks for the story