Try it on.
Just once.
Just to feel beautiful.
Just… one second of beauty.
"Okay. Quick. She will not even notice."
I stepped behind a divider, heart pounding.
The dress felt heavier than it looked.
I unzipped my blouse and let it fall.
Then the skirt.
Until I stood there in just my bra and panties, skin prickling at the cool air.
Get in. Quickly.
I lifted the dress over my head and wriggled into it.
It slid down my torso like liquid metal.
Oh.
Oh wow.
Even half on, it hugged my ribcage perfectly.
Cinched my waist beautifully.
God.
I looked… expensive and beautiful.
But the moment I tried pulling it lower, the fabric seemed to rebel.
It stopped mid torso.
The beading scraped my skin.
"Wait. No. No no no."
I tugged harder.
Nothing.
I sucked in my stomach and tried again.
Still nothing.
The damn thing was stuck halfway up my body.
"Great" I muttered. "This is how I die. Choked to death by couture."
I twisted.
I pulled.
I cursed under my breath.
