“Emily, I remember how we treated you at school. I was one of the people who made fun of you, and I didn’t understand how much our words could hurt. I’m so sorry. You look genuinely happy in this picture.”
I stared at the screen for a long time.
Then I put my phone down.
I realized I no longer needed anyone’s approval to feel comfortable in my own body.
A week later, Grandpa invited me to the pool again.
Shop Home Spas
This time, my aunt, cousins, and their children were there too.
The moment I saw so many people, I wanted to turn around and go home.
Grandpa noticed my anxiety.
“Emily, let me ask you something. Do you truly not want to swim, or do you want to swim but you’re afraid of what they might think?”
I remained silent for a moment.
