A Single Cookie

I ate in front of people. I didn't want to answer any questions. I didn't want to disappoint anyone.

The pain in my stomach grows and I feel powerful. I can control it. I am the master. As long as no one else knows.

It growls and all of a sudden people look at me. They hand me food. I eat enough to satiate the monster, but not enough to fill me up. If I do, it will only shorten the time between meals that I can go.

I accept the cookie graciously. Even if I don't want it, refusing it will only raise questions that I would rather not answer.

I know later I will pay for the cookie. Extra hours without a smidgen of food. Exercise. Something will have to give. But for now I eat it.