"Its okay, get your food out and hold onto it. Don't throw it away okay?" She looked at Xoa with a strong streak of sincerity in her eyes, causing Xoa to obey her. As Xoa, Ayla, Drey and Sage all found a place to sit that recess, Ayla began to encourage Xoa again. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxupF3sPd6l
"Come on Xoa, it's okay" Ayla spoke encouragingly as she stared straight at Xoa, giving her strength to push through. "Its okay to eat" The little voice inside Xoa's head shouted as she pushed herself towards the lunch box.
She opened the lid and took out the overripe banana, the one that would have already been hurriedly thrown in the school bin if it were not for Ayla.
Throughout recess, Xoa only took one bite of the banana, but it was a huge accomplishment. This was the first time she had really fought back against the little voice.
Throughout the next month, Ayla stuck to the promise she made to Xoa. The girls would talk everyday about their struggles and shared ways on how they could get better. Ayla told Xoa her story of her experience with an eating disorder and how she overcame it. "Every day, you have to shut out that voice and eventually it will lose control. It will be drowned out and have no power. Then you can begin living again."
The younger girl inspired Xoa to get better. She wanted to live again. She wanted to be able to eat something - anything - and be happy about it.
"You cant help other people when you can't even help yourself." Xoa would never forget Ayla telling her those words. All she wanted to do was help.
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