Since I clocked thirteen, getting dressed has felt like walking through a minefield. It’s either too tight or too loose, too loud or too much.

 Their eyes feel like hot coals sitting right on my skin, and even when their gossip is a mile away, it buzzes like a mosquito right against my ear.

"See her body, she’s doing those fishy things"

"Girls of nowadays"

"Use your body to get what you want."

"Simi, see how thin you are. Is that not your mate with a fine body?"

Bruh, my head is spinning. Leave the innocent children alone, will you?

Whew! I thought they wouldn't stop.

I stopped eating, and it still didn't work. I saved up for a surgery to at least buy a little peace in my own skin, and boom, emergency wiped it all out. Back to square one.

So look, y’all, bye. I am done. Truly, deeply done trying to fit into a mold built by people who wouldn't know self-worth if it tripped them.

Away from me, though? I could claw your eyes out. Leave us alone.