copyright Marie Gail Stratford
Shorn Glory
She takes her first tentative steps onto the runway, foreign territory after a year’s absence.
The crowd erupts in applause at her appearance. She can read their thoughts in their expressions.
She’s beautiful again.
You can’t even tell she was sick.
At the end of the runway she pauses. Reaching up, she pulls the wig from her head, her smooth scalp reflecting the harsh scrutiny of the spotlights.
The expressions change to shock. The applause falters.
Someone is still clapping. One little girl is applauding wildly, a grin on her pale face, a bright bandanna tied around her hairless head.
The Green-Walled Tower 
February 22nd, 2018 at 1:03 am
The mark of cancer… both putting up brave fights.
Welcome back, David 🙂
February 22nd, 2018 at 3:59 am
Ah, such a sweet ending from a tragic illness. Nicely done.
February 22nd, 2018 at 9:01 am
So that line with the little girl made me cry, for real. Well done!
February 22nd, 2018 at 9:37 am
Dear David,
And therein lies this runway model’s true beauty. Wonder story, expertly told. I’ve missed you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
February 22nd, 2018 at 2:32 pm
That was fabulous, David! I love, love, love, this.
What a way to return…
February 22nd, 2018 at 3:48 pm
The ending really tied everything together. Nice story.
February 22nd, 2018 at 11:38 pm
It’s well done. 🙂
February 23rd, 2018 at 4:05 am
What a fantastic ending. You go girl!
February 23rd, 2018 at 5:42 am
A lovely story about two courageous people. Super concept, beautifully realised.
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:52 am
This is such a good take. I totally forgot about the picture. Well done.
February 23rd, 2018 at 6:59 pm
Wonderful. I love this.
February 23rd, 2018 at 8:04 pm
Beautiful story.
Nice to read you here David.
February 24th, 2018 at 9:25 am
What a beautiful story… and these days so many make it through… so just maybe the hair will grow back again.
February 26th, 2018 at 7:09 am
Beautifully done. Let’s hope the adults around learn something from the title girl.