I clumped into the [dress shop] in my everyday state of dishevelment, my everyday hair scraped up on top of my head, my everyday tiredness seeping through my body. I looked around... there were sequins and lycra and bright colours everywhere. Suddenly it was far too daunting, and I was turning to leave when the girl looked at me and asked if I wanted help.

It burst out of me in a rush.

"Yes please" I said "I have a 21st to go to tonight. I haven't bought [evening clothes] in over a decade. I'm fat and I hate the way I look. Please, I'd love some help"

She smiled at me

"Of course" was all she said as she looked at me carefully. She didn't go on with [all that "But you aren't fat" bullshit]. It was wonderful.

She brought me [top]s, [skirt]s, [pants]. Piles of lovely colours appeared on the [counter]. She assembled costumes and sent me to try endless combinations on. And her [enthusiasm] caught me.

It wasn't [a hopeless idea] any longer that I could look good. It was as if this lady had some [magical power]. I relaxed and she tried things. She looked at me when I had things on, and sometimes she said "No, that doesn't [flatter] you at all"

It would have been a wonderful experience even if I had never seen The Dress.

The lady didn't choose it for me.

I'd seen it soon after I'd walked in, and [dismiss]ed... not it, but the idea of myself in it.

I'm ... especially when I'm tired... I'm [lumpy]. I stoop a little. I'm fat.

The Dress was [redder than a fire engine]. And it was a dress for a beautiful, magical woman. Not for a tired, frumpy mother.

But somehow, the way the woman was showing me things, and being honest about them, and being so enthusiastic made me feel... [daring].

"I'd quite like to try this... What do you think?"

She smiled at me and said "Go ahead, you'll [never know] if you don't try"

So, greatly daring, my heart in my mouth, I did.

I borrowed some [proper shoes] from the shop, and got changed with my [eyes closed].

I took a deep breath, and looked.

I didn't recognise the woman in the mirror. Where I am fat, she was [voluptuous]. Where my hair is messy, hers was [tousled]. Where I am pink with embarrassment, she [glow]ed.

I walked out of the dressing room and stood facing the lady.

She just beamed back at me.

The dress, I knew, was ... not just good, but right.

So I [bought] it. And I [wore] it. And I [loved] it. And I [danced all night] until my feet hurt.

And I looked good

The seriously red dress (idea)