Sarah, a girl of twelve with long brown hair, stands fidgeting by the counter. She glances at the clothes, her shoulders tense. Frank, her stepfather, tall and stern with a closely trimmed flattop, enters the room, his posture rigid. "Put these on, Sarah. We're leaving in five minutes," "But… these are for boys. Can't I wear my own clothes?" "Those are your clothes now. Go get ready,"

Sarah's hands tremble as she buttons up the shirt. She catches her reflection in the mirror, eyes stinging with frustration. She brushes her hair behind her ears, missing the comfort of her favorite dress. "Maybe it'll only be for today," she whispers, trying to steady her voice.

Sarah[/@ch_1] and Frank is heavy.] Frank's hands grip the wheel. Sarah stares out the window, her knees pressed together, wishing the drive would never end. "You’ll thank me later, Sarah. It’s easier this way," "I don’t want to look like my brothers," she murmurs, barely audible. "You need to be strong, like them,"

Sarah[/@ch_1]'s brothers, already sporting identical flattop haircuts, wait on a bench.] Barber Joe, a burly man with a gentle smile, waves them over. Frank nods, guiding Sarah to the chair. "What’ll it be today?" "Same as the boys. Flattop, please," "Do I have to?" "Sit still, Sarah,"

Sarah[/@ch_1]'s chest. The mirror shows her changing reflection—her hair growing shorter and shorter, her face more exposed.] Barber Joe works quietly, his eyes kind but resigned. Sarah's hands grip the arms of the chair, knuckles white, as her brothers watch in silence. "Almost done. You’re doing great, kid," "I don’t feel great," she whispers, blinking back tears.

Sarah[/@ch_1]. Her hair is now cropped short, identical to her brothers'. Her reflection feels unfamiliar, her old self hidden beneath the fresh cut.] Frank gives a curt nod, satisfied. Sarah stands, shoulders squared, but her eyes search the mirror for the girl she was. "Let’s go," he says, already heading for the door. "Okay," she replies softly, voice trembling, as she follows him into the bright, unforgiving day.