章 30: 30 ValueMart Vibes

Zoe stood in the ValueMart changing room, staring at her reflection.

She turned slowly, examining herself in the mirror, still not entirely sure it was actually her staring back.

The jeans hugged her legs comfortably, and the fitted hoodie sat well on her shoulders without the usual bulk that had accompanied her clothing for years.

She twisted side to side, her eyes tracing her new silhouette.

It was strange, seeing the girl in the mirror.

Zoe had always been a big girl, someone who took up space, who struggled with tight jeans and shirts that pulled at her shoulders.

She had been used to baggy clothes and oversized hoodies because they fit, not because they looked good.

And now, here she was, slipping easily into a size that she'd never imagined would be hers.

She ran a hand over her stomach, now noticeably flatter, and felt an odd mixture of pride and disbelief.