KNEE BRACE PRESS

A place for stories about chronic illness, disability, mental health, and neurodivergence.

here

By

after i enter the bathroom,
i lock the door behind me.

i turn the shower on
using only hot water.

strip my shirt, my
pants, stare at my
reflection.

i feel my ribs, suck in,
turn every angle.

hip bones not sharp enough
stomach seeming to
protrude

wish i was thinner.
wish my thighs were smaller.

i want to walk on
sticks, be threatened
to snap.

wish i could
disappear like the
image

as the steam
obscures the glass.

in the shower,
hot rivlets scald my skin.

my heart races,
i see stars.

the water runs cold,
burns more calories?

i sit in the tub
and wonder how

i got
here.

Contributor

  • Noelle Thomas (she/her) is a queer, disabled creator from the greater Philadelphia area. Frequently writing, crafting, and creating content about mental and chronic conditions, Noelle can be found on most socials as @Nowhalle and @Chronically.Nowhalle on Instagram. She enjoys space (both outer and personal), reading, and drinking tea. Her words can be found online at NoelleThomasWrites.com.