The first time I cried looking in the mirror was the day after I turned 13.
My mother told me it was time to start watching my weight.
She took me in front of a mirror and taught me how to point out my flaws.
My fat thighs.
My pudgy stomach.
Then she taught me how to exercise.

The first time I skipped a meal was halfway through my 14th year.
My father told me I was looking a big fat.
He wanted to make sure I remember how to look in the mirror and see my flaws.
My too round face.
My too big body.
Then he took away my plate

The first time I was told I was going nowhere in life was a week before my 15th birthday.
My parents looked at my report card and told me nothing
They wanted to make sure I knew how worthless I was
My Cs and Ds
My apathy
Then they left me alone.

Now I am almost 16.
And I am supposed to grow up.
In two years I am supposed to be an adult.
But I was never taught how.
I still raise my hand to speech in big groups.
I still have to ask to go to the bathroom.
But I am expected to make life changing decisions.
And all I can do is go back in front of that mirror and point out my flaws.
Just as I was taught to do.