he said, suspicious like, that lunch was ready

and placed the food in front of her

watching like a hawk

as she lifted her fork

stomach churning

at the idea of food

and she waited

with patient eyes

and a starving body

until he left to answer the phone

and wrapped her food in a paper towel

and threw it away

her stomach hurt

but her endorphins said yes

you'll be skinny soon, I promise