Part 1The Body Shaming of Luna

My mom, worried about my spending habits, entrusted my monthly $500 allowance to my childhood friend, Ryan.

But he only gives me $10 a week.

When the summer heat became unbearable, I asked to use my own money to move to a dorm with AC. He flatly refused.

"You're only hot because you're too fat," he sneered. "Eat less, lose weight, and you'll be fine."

On Valentine's Day, I caught him and his bros partying at a bar.

"Yo, Ryan, where's your girl? Still saving yourself for the wifey?"

Ryan clinked his glass with a laugh. "Yeah. Once she slims down, I'll bring her around to meet you guys."

"Drink up, everyone. Tonight's on me."

His friends praised him for being generous and loyal.

I stood in the corner, watching them, when a strong arm wrapped around my waist.

A husky voice whispered in my ear: "What are you looking at, wifey?"

I pouted, turned, and buried my face in the bar owner's chest, sobbing dramatically:

"Boohoo, Seth! Someone stole my money! Beat him up for me!"

* * *

I'm 5'5" and weigh 140 pounds.

I've got curves in all the right places and I'm perfectly happy with my body.

But Ryan always thinks I'm fat.

Back in high school, during P.E., he'd always take off his jacket and drape it over me.

Classmates would coo about how sweet and protective he was.

Only I could hear the venomous whisper in my ear.

"Luna, have some shame! You're so fat, everything jiggles when you run. Don't you see all the guys staring at you?"

I threw his jacket on the ground.

If guys are staring, that's their problem. Or maybe it's the sports bra design, or the shirt cut. What does it have to do with me?

There were countless incidents like this, but I never took Ryan seriously. He couldn't control me.

Until college.

My mom, brainwashed by Ryan's constant nagging, decided I was indeed too fat. She resolutely handed over my monthly allowance to him.

"Ryan, I know you're a good kid and you care about Luna. I'm leaving her in your hands."

Ryan looked solemn and serious. "Don't worry, Auntie. I'll make sure Luna loses weight!"

I almost choked on my own spit.

Out of my $500 allowance, Ryan only gave me $10 a week.

He refused to let me switch to an AC dorm and demanded I report everything I ate.

I tried to act cute: [Ryan, look, ten bucks a week means less than two dollars a day. A bagel is two dollars. I can only eat three bagels a day. I'm going to turn into a bagel! Boohoo.]

He replied like a robot: [A plain bagel is 250 calories. A cinnamon raisin bagel is 300 calories. Next time, stick to plain. Also, did you buy that coffee next to it? From now on, your allowance is $8 a week. Exactly enough for three plain bagels.]

Insane.

I complained to my mom, but she sold me out in three seconds.

"Ryan is a good kid, top of his class. Just listen to him, he won't hurt you."

I was furious!

I threatened Ryan directly:

[If you don't give me money, I'm going to find a sugar daddy!]

[Luna! You dare!]

[Try me.]