Unattractive

It was many years ago now, but I remember it so clearly. Emily was settled comfortably on an old chesterfield in her favourite café, waiting for her order. She often stopped by for a flat white and a custard slice, treating herself before another long workday.

Outside, the wintry wind was flinging snowflakes against the windowpanes. With a sigh, Emily took a sip of her scalding coffee, letting the warmth seep in. At the nearby table, two young women chatted animatedlyit was obvious they were close friends.

Youll never guess who I ran into! Tobys new girlfriend, honestly. Not much to look at, if Im honest. What does he even see in her? one of them whispered.

Maybe she makes an amazing shepherds pie? Or perhaps shes a wizard in the bedroom? giggled the other.

Oh, dont be daft! Just have a look at her photos on Instagramshe really doesnt have the looks.

Their laughter tinkled in the air, but Emily felt herself freeze in place. She remembered overhearing her mother years ago, when Emily was barely seven. Our Emilys not a beauty, poor thing. Never won the lottery with her looks, but at least she can try to make herself useful.

Now grown, Emily put every effort into her appearance. But no matter how she tried, some nagging feeling always told her she simply wasnt lovely enough. Her mother often said, Chin up, my dear. Pretty you may not be, but youre clever. Do well in life, lovedont end up alone.

At school, she was painfully aware of her gawky looks and lanky frame. At university, she learned how to dress nicely and even to wear some make-up. She even had a boyfriend for a while. Yet hed joke about her flat bottom and giant feet. Emily resigned herself to the idea that no one would truly love her, however smart she was. She simply got on with it.

Finishing her coffee and custard slice, Emily hurried off to work. That lunch, she had to nip by her friends place to feed her cat and water the plants. Sophie had gone off to Malta for a fortnight, and her husband was rarely home. If they do cross paths, hell never even spare a glance at Emily, Sophie chuckled, trusting her friend completely before leaving on holiday.

At Sophies house, Emily first topped up the cats bowl for sleepy old Whiskers, then moved on to tend the plants. A distant radio was playing. Emily recognised the tune and began to sing along quietly, Theres a star up in the sky tonight, far away from home The music, the greenery, the warmth of homeit all lifted her up. She felt suddenly light, twirling and admiring the flowers and, just for a moment, herself.

Suddenly, she heard voices from the hallway. Emily spun round, startled, to see two men standing there. It was TomSophies husbandand he wasnt alone. Both looked surprised to find her dancing among the spider plants. A wave of embarrassment swept over her.

Hi, Em. This is my mate Ben. We just stopped by for some papers. You were so caught up in your dancing, we couldnt interrupt. Sorry for barging in.

I I was just Sophie asked me to, Emily stammered.

She hurried for the door but didnt spot Whiskers lying in her path. She tripped and tumbled awkwardly, hitting the ground with a thud. The world faded out.

When she woke, she was lying in a small ward at the old hospital.

Hello! Youre awake. Im Victoria, your roommate, said a kind-faced woman nearby. You just have a minor concussion, but the doctor says youll be right as rain soon. By the way, a courier and a young man came by with some things for you. She smiled warmly.

Thank you, Emily managed to reply.

After a while, she eased out of bed and shuffled to the window, looking through the bag they had brought. Inside were fresh fruit, juice, and her favourite custard slicesa clear sign from Sophie and Tom.

Reaching for a bouquet of white chrysanthemums, Emily found a card tucked inside. Emily, wishing you a swift recovery. A lovely lady like you doesnt belong in hospital. Let me take you to the flower showno excuses! Ben.

Emily buried her face in the blooms, her eyes squeezed shut in delight. Then, unable to contain her joy, she dashed over and hugged her new friend Victoria.

Beauty isnt always dazzling or obvious. Every woman finds her own, sometimes shining as a gentle warmth from within.