No matter how hard she worked, her achievements were never enough. Straight As, art awards, concert solos, first place ribbons—she was always expected to improve.

Then she discovered the scale—her proof. The mirror—her judge. The hunger—her vindication.

It became easy to do nothing. To slowly disappear.

Shirlee Jellum is a retired English teacher who published fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Family drama, current events and the natural world inspire her writing.