Brenda was a teenager who was rather flabby. When she passed her schoolmates in the halls, there was always a lot of snickering behind her back. Her self-esteem was so low that she would come home from school most days crying her eyes out.

Brenda’s mother had talked to their family physician about a referral to a dietitian, and also suggested that Brenda start working out at a local gym. But Brenda would have no part of it. She thought it would be too embarrassing and resolutely refused.

One night her father came into her room. “All those mean girls who make fun of you at school are like pebbles on the beach. There is nothing special about any of them,” he said. “But you are like a pearl hidden inside of an oyster shell. No one can see your true value, but someday a smart, engaging, and beautiful woman will emerge from that shell. No one will tease you or talk behind your back anymore. And balance will be restored to the universe. At least, my sweet Brenda, to your universe.”

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Written for Jim Adams’ Thursday Inspiration prompt, where the prompt is “woman.” Also for these daily prompts: The Daily Spur (teenager), Word of the Day Challenge (flabby), My Vivid Blog (snickering), Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (referral), Ragtag Daily Prompt (pebble), and E.M.’s Random Word Prompt (balance).