Unattractive

Charlotte settles comfortably on a sofa in her favourite café, waiting for her order to arrive. She often pops in here for a cappuccino and an éclair to brighten her mood before work.

Outside, snow is softly falling. Charlotte takes a contented sip of her steaming coffee. At the table across, two young women are chatting, obviously close friends.

You won’t believe who I ran into the other daymy ex’s new girlfriend. Honestly, she’s no looker! What does he even see in her?

Maybe she cooks a mean roast, or she’s a marvel in bed? her friend laughs.

Oh, please. Just look at her pictures on Instagram. Poor thing, she didnt exactly hit the jackpot when looks were handed out.

The pair snicker, and Charlotte freezes, stung by the conversation. Her mothers words drift back from a childhood memory, overheard years ago when she was just seven: Our little Lottie isn’t a beauty, thats the truth. Shell have to make her mark in life by what she does.

Grown-up Charlotte pays close attention to her appearance, but no matter how much effort she puts in, she never feels quite beautiful enough. Mum often said, Keep your chin up, love. You may not have the prettiest face, but use your headstudy hard and make something of yourself. Dont end up alone.

At school, shed been self-conscious about her awkward looks and boyish figure. At university, she learned to dress well and enjoy makeup. She even started dating. Still, her boyfriend would make jokesabout her flat bum or how she had giant feet like Bigfoot. Charlotte realised that wit alone might not win her love. She accepted it and moved on.

After finishing her coffee and cake, she hurries to work. At lunch, shell need to stop by a friends flat to feed the cat and water the plants. Alice has jetted off to Tenerife for a couple of weeks, and her husband is rarely home. If he happens to run into Charlotte, he wont even take a second glance at her, Alice had thought on her way to the airport, perfectly relaxed.

In her friends flat, Charlotte first pours food for the sleepy Tom, then starts on the plants. Next door, music plays. She recognises the melody and cant help singing along to Starmanand without noticing, she feels wonderfully happy in that moment. The song, the flowers, the peaceful flat: she suddenly feels light as air. She even begins to dance a little among the houseplants, catching her reflection in the window and smiling at herself.

Suddenly, voices sound from the hallway.

Charlotte spins around to see two men standing there. WilliamAlices husbandand hes brought someone with him. Both look surprised. What an embarrassment! flashes through her mind.

Hi, Charlotte. This is my mate, Chris. We just popped in for some paperwork. You were dancing so well, we couldnt look away. Sorry for disturbing you, William says with a gentle smile.

I um Alice asked me to help, Charlotte stammers.

She hurries towards the exit but trips over the cat, sprawling awkwardly on the rug. Her vision dims.

When she comes to, shes lying in a hospital bed.

Hello! How are you feeling? Im Victoria, your ward neighbour. Youve got a mild concussion, but the doctor says youll be alright. A courier and a gentleman with flowers visited for you, Victoria says brightly.

Thanks, Charlotte manages.

Carefully, she gets up, goes to the window, and opens the bag left for her. There are fruit, juice, and her favourite éclairsno doubt from Alice and William.

She reaches for the flowers and spots a note: Charlotte, wishing you a swift recovery. A lovely girl like you doesn’t belong in hospital. Please come with me to the flower show. Saying no isnt an option. Chris.

Charlotte buries her face in the white chrysanthemums, eyes shut in a surge of joy, before darting over to hug her roommate.

Beauty doesnt have to be dazzling or loud. Every woman has her own kindsometimes its warm and shines from within.