The Dark Star

My mother always calls me a dirty girl. One day, while I was playing outside, a photographer from a magazine approached me and asked if he could take my picture. I happily agreed.

When my photo appeared in the magazine a week later, I was filled with excitement. I shouted to get the attention of my mother and cousins. They gathered around to see the picture and began to laugh. Confused, I asked them what was so funny.

They pointed to the caption at the bottom of the page that read: “IF YOU EVER HAVE A DIRTY GIRL LIKE THIS, YOU NEED OUR SOAP!” In that moment, my joy turned into embarrassment, and I realized how others could perceive me differently than I saw myself.