Joan

Joan

- Talin Rose Hadlow

The reflection on the water ripples beneath the wind, blurring the clouds and the pot plants surrounding the pool. Joan stands on the edge of the pool, toes curling like claws over the lip of the sandwash coloured tiles. Like the clouds and the pot plants, her reflection in the pool flickers, distorting her naked figure. A figure she no longer recognises. Joan’s traditionally flat stomach now has a little fatty layer under her belly button. Her ass and thighs have grown heavier, too, even though Joan didn’t think it possible as they were already a reasonable size. Her thighs rub together now when she runs, causing a red rash to break out on her tanned legs. She has her dad to thank for those thighs. And the bum. Both used to be strong but now they are flab. Her duck bum was always a trophy body part.

She sighs as she studies her rippling reflection in the pool. She’ll get her body back again eventually. She thought it would be back by now, but not quite. The shape of her waist has returned, despite the residual roll of fat on her belly, but her jeans are still that little bit too tight, and she hasn’t even attempted to try on her leather pencil skirt again.

That’s the price to pay for being happy and indulging in life. Travelling for months, undisturbed by the chaos and stresses of routine and everyday life. No family drama to roll her eyes at, no

ex-boyfriends to tear her down, no boredom or lack of enthusiasm for activities. The jolly fat girl. Like Santa. She tries to imagine a thin, fit Santa. No. It just wouldn’t work. The only physically positive aspect of this weight gain for Joan is the boobs. Normally a happy handful, they now sit full and heavy in her bra, perking up depending on which