Lounging comfortably on the sofa at her favourite cafe, Emily waited for her order, delighting in her cappuccino and an éclair before heading off to work.
Emily settled into her usual spot, enjoying the familiar surroundings of the coffee shop she often visited to lift her spirits before the workday began. Snowflakes drifted down outside the window. She sipped her hot coffee, savouring every mouthful. Across from her, two young women were chatting. They seemed to be friends.
“Listen,” one of them began, “I bumped into my ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend the other day. Honestly, I don’t see what he likes about her. Shes really quite plain.”
“Maybe she’s a fantastic cook. Or maybe she works wonders in the bedroom,” her friend sniggered.
“Oh, stop it! Look at her Facebook photosdefinitely nothing special about her face.”
They giggled, while Emily sat frozen. She recalled something her mother used to say to her father when she was just seven: Our Emily isnt the prettiest, but at least shes hardworking.
Later in life, Emily took every care with her appearance. No matter what she did, though, she never felt beautiful enough. Her mother reminded her, Keep your chin up, love. If not with your looks, youll impress them with your brains. Study hard. Make sure you dont end up alone.
At school, Emily had been embarrassed about her awkward looks and boyish figure. It was only at university that she learned to dress with style and put on makeup properly. She even found herself a boyfriend. Yet, he made jokes about her flat behind and big feet. Emily realised that being clever might not be enough for someone to love her. She tried to accept herself and carried on.
Finishing her coffee and pastry, she hurried to work. At lunchtime, she had promised to stop by her friends flat to feed the cat and water the plants. Sarah had gone off to Cornwall for a couple of weeks, and her husband was rarely at home. Even if he happens to turn up, he wont take any notice of Emily, Sarah had thought with assurance as she left on holiday.
Arriving at Sarahs, Emily first filled the bowl for the sleeping cat, Pippin, then went about watering the plants. From the neighbouring flat, music floated in. She recognised the melody and started singing, Strangers in the night exchanging glances Suddenly, peace washed over her. Surrounded by flowers and song, she felt as light as air. Before she knew it, she was dancing, enjoying the flowers and, in that moment, herself.
Unexpectedly, voices echoed in the hallway.
Emily turned and saw two men standing in the doorway. It was MarkSarahs husbandand another man. Both looked surprised. How embarrassing! Emily thought.
Hello, Emily. This is my mate, Tom. Wed popped by to pick up some papers. You danced so beautifully we couldnt help watching. Sorry if we startled you.
“I Sarah asked me to” Emily stammered.
Flustered, she rushed to the door, failing to see Pippin underfoot. She tripped, couldnt catch her balance, and fell heavily to the floor. Everything went dark.
She awoke in a hospital ward.
Hello. How are you feeling? Im Alice, your neighbour in the next bed. Youve just got a mild concussion, nothing serious. A delivery boy and a young man with flowers have both been by to see you, Alice said with a friendly smile.
Thank you, Emily managed to reply.
Carefully, she got up and went to the windowsill, where there was a bag. Inside, she found fruit, juice, and her favourite éclairsno doubt from Sarah and Mark.
She reached for the flowers and noticed a note: Emily, get well soon. A charming lady like you doesnt belong in hospital. Join me at the flower show? No refusals. Tom
Emily pressed her face into the white chrysanthemums, shut her eyes with happiness, and threw her arms around her new friend in the ward.
Beauty doesnt always have to be obvious or dazzling. Every woman has her own kind of beauty. Sometimes, its a gentle light, glowing quietly from within.
Snuggled Comfortably on a Café Sofa, She Waited for Her Order, Savoring Her Favourite Cappuccino and Eclair Before the Workday Began
