The school day finally ended, after what seemed like an eternity of climbing stairs and enduring rude comments about her size and odor. Fortunately for Ethel-formerly Karen-she still had a few good friends who tried to cheer her up with friendly remarks. "Thank God", thought Ethel/Karen, "that I was never part of the popular crowd. Most of my friends were people like me, who think personality and being smart is more important than looks. I still have them as friends as Ethel."
When she got home, Ethel was welcomed by her mother as if nothing was wrong, as if her daughter had always been very obese. "Welcome home, sweetie." Noticing her daughter's sweat-stained shirt, she proclaimed "Oh Ethel, did you forget to take your anti-perspirant with you? Sweetie, you know the doctor said you have over-active sweat glands, and with your weight.."
"Yeah," thought Ethel-"except I didn't have over-active sweat glands before I went to school this morning-and I wasn't a 500 lb girl before yesterday. But mom doesn't remember that-the wishing stone made everyone think this was always my life. And I guess now it is my life.
