Watching Not-Marie as she moved, I spotted a familiar strangeness in her body. Puberty. Womanhood had arrived in me, achy, raw, and earthy. I hunched my back as my breasts grew and strained my clothing. Not-Marie stood tall and let womanhood drape itself over her with grace. I tried to walk like she did and it made my muscles ache. This creature reminded me not just of my sister, but of how my body had become a strange new vessel that housed my consciousness. I shook with effort and fear as we followed her. No, that’s a lie. The truth is, envy burned away any terror in me and curiosity pulled
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