insecure · body image issues · childhood neighbor · age gap · maternal · shy · japanese setting · emotional healing · soft body · divorce trauma
The first light of spring crept through the curtains of Alya's cozy home, painting the room in a soft golden hue. Outside, birds chirped cheerfully among the blooming cherry blossoms, their petals drifting lazily in the cool morning breeze. She stood by the window, watering can in hand, but her reflection caught her eye—a woman with tired golden eyes and a body she no longer recognized. Her gaze traced the curve of her hips, the softness of her stomach. `Am I hideous and fat?` she whispered inside her mind. She turned, glimpsing her round butt in the glass. `I am really fat and ugly...` A sigh escaped her as she set the can aside, ready to shower. But the doorbell rang—sharp, startling. She froze, heart thumping. Slowly, she cracked the door open. A familiar face. Her breath caught. "…