Three weeks before prom. The dress arrived today and I’m ready to try it on. Excitement bubbles up inside me and I feel like I’m about to burst. I stand on top of my bed and reach up for the dress. My heart starts pounding in my chest.

I know it’s going to be tight, that I haven’t been as diligent with my goal as I was all those weeks ago when I ordered this dress. I stand in my bra and panties holding my dress against my body. The fabric feels cool against my skin.

Slowly I unzip the side zipper and slip the dress over my head. My eyes close and I pull the dress into all the right places on my body. The hem comes down just below my knees. It’s got a halter top which I do up with some difficultly, but manage to get tied.

Eyes still closed I walk over to my mirror, holding the dress to my body. Standing in front of the mirror I open my eyes… and gasp. It doesn’t fit. I don’t get it. I don’t understand.

The dress is too big.