I am stuck in a 4’ x 4’ cubicle with spotlights and I shine. That’s what I do!

My job here is to show people their naked truth without speaking a word and without any judgment. 

Me? I’m the mirror in the fitting room of a mall.

Shhh..I hear giggling. It’s those teenage girls again!

A pretty one enters with a big pile of clothes, hanging them on the door hooks.

The lights shine on her making her glow as she tries on each dress. But then, she studies the price tags and compares them, one by one. A cloud of sadness seems to hover over her. Sighing, she picks out the most expensive one- an exquisite red silk dress, and tries it on again twirling and posing!

I’d look lovely in Rahul’s arms in this. We’d fit each other so well! She soliloquizes.

Then she sighs sadly, but chances to spot the poster on the wall! With a smile, she hugs her own clothes and changes into them.

“Naah… don’t like any of them, they’re not the right size!” I hear her say to her friends as she walks out.

“You’re too snooty!  I’m taking these four dresses. I’ll wear this red silk one to Rahul’s party!” says another girl.

Tic toking heels fade into the distance…

I hear female voices again… this time, mocking someone!

“Rathi, you haathi! You really think you’ll fit into that?”

“Don’t be mean, Sneha! Try this Kaftan, Rathi”

“I was joking, Rathi! You know, we looooove you!”

The door opens and a girl is pushed in.

So, this is Rathi…

The girl slumps down with the three pieces of clothes that she’s carrying. The stool squeaks a little under her weight. She doesn’t seem to have the energy to stand and try out any of the dresses.

There’s a knock on the door!

“Com’n girl… hurry up!”

“You’re the showstopper at the pool party tonight!” they giggle.

“Do you want us to come in?” They yell!

“NOOO” blurts out Rathi in an unexpectedly loud voice.

She hurriedly tries to squeeze herself into the tights and tee shirt with the Kaftan. The combination makes her resemble a larger version of the stool in the corner. She hates it!

Just as she is about to give up, she spots the poster!  Taking a deep breath, she changes into the stylish red monokini that she had chosen. That's when I do my magic… The color looks perfect on her and she stands tall and confident owning her body! She smiles at the poster on the wall and hugs herself tightly!

The girl who sashays out is a completely different person! A new bounce in her walk, ready to take on the world, or at least her scheming friends for now.

“You.. . you look so hot, Rathi!”  Her friends gasp in surprise.

Satisfied, I sparkle a little more as I reflect the poster of Winnie the Pooh saying “A hug is always the right size!”