Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

“You’re beautiful,” he assured her. “Moreso than the day we met.”

He could recall her smooth skin drawn taut over her small, petite frame. She had been beautiful that day, so many years ago.

Sadly, she’d struggled to see the beauty he praised.

“Someday you’ll see yourself how I see you—I promise.”

And so, with his assistance, she tried. He’d purchased moisturizers, makeup and sleeping aids to assist in her self-image. A healthy diet and exercise regimen were adopted, but the healthier she grew, the further she transitioned from the woman he loved—and further toward the woman he desired.

Her pale skin, now taut once more, teased his old infatuation with her, but only for a moment.

“Pity that your appearance, your greatest attribute, caused you so much grief.” He thought aloud, “Although, on second thought, your skin does look much better on me.”