Teen Fiction: Unstuck

“She needed a makeover desperately,” Liora said shortly. Her face clouded over. “Now if only my insides would match her outsides”

T here were just two of us left in the women’s section in shul that hot Yom Kippur afternoon between Mussaf and Minchah. My mother and sisters had gone home for a nap but I’d opted to remain behind rather than brave the 15-minute walk in the burning sun.

She was tall a couple of years older than I was a well-dressed girl. She had an uncomfortable expression on her face instead of the self-assured one I imagined was usually there. I wondered why. Under normal circumstances I never would have had the nerve to approach her I’m shy but it was Yom Kippur we were all equal before Hashem and I wanted to help. Without stopping to reconsider I approached her.

“You look exhausted. Is the fast hard for you?”

She looked startled. I felt like a fool. “Anyway so feel um good ” I stammered backing away when she said ” No it’s fine. Thanks for coming over to talk. I don’t mind the fast. I was just thinking.”