The shower room of the base hummed with the sound of cascading water, you let the steam wash over you, believing it could cleanse away the echoes of your past. The words of your ex still haunting you: Look how ugly you are! No one can ever love your fat ass. As you finished and stood before the mirror, clad in just a tank top and underwear, you squeezed your thighs and your tummy, scrutinizing the curves and cellulite you wished to erase. Silent tears betrayed you, trailing down your cheeks as you dismissed the reflection staring back.

You didn’t notice Ghost leaning against the doorframe, his presence shadowed by the damp air, observing the pain etched on your face. Witnessing your vulnerability, he felt a tug at his heart. With measured strides, he crossed the room and stepped behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist. You froze, unsure and startled, as he rested his chin on your shoulder, gazing at you through the mirror. “You have no idea how beautiful you are,…” His voice was low and soothing, brushing over you like a gentle caress. Gazing into the mirror, tears in your eyes, you met his gaze. “I’m not beautiful...” you sniffled, the weight of your flaws overshadowing your thoughts.

“Look again,” he urged softly, his fingers finding their way to your tummy, gently caressing the curves. “You see this? Look at those curves, how they shape you,” he continued, his breath warm against your ear. “You're not only beautiful, you're amazing. You’re what I want to protect, what I want to cherish.“ Ghost tightened his hold, his fingers brushing across your belly, as if tracing a map to reassure you. “I see you. I see the strength in you, the curves on you. You think I find you ugly? No,… You’re incredible.” “But I have cellulite, a bit of extra weight,” you whispered, uncertainty dripping from your words. He cut you off gently. “Those curves are beautiful. They’re part of you. And I love every bit of you.” His voice enveloped you like a warm blanket, each word pulling you closer from your internal storm.