Pushing through the restaurant door, Penelope breathed in the fresh spring air. It was bright but cold. The snow was finally gone, but the wind still bit at her nose. She was glad she’d worn a sweater under her puffy, pink vest which she zipped up to her chin. She adjusted her fuzzy pink earmuffs and pulled on matching gloves. Glancing at her reflection in the window, she grinned in approval. She was wearing her favourite jeans, the ones with the little embroidered flowers on the pockets, and a pair of ankle boots with rhinestone straps.

A couple of girls walked past. The one closest to Penelope looked at her outfit from the top of her earmuffs to her sparkly boots. Penelope gave her a little wave and smiled. Maybe she thinks my outfit is cute! Instead of smiling back though, the girl elbowed her friend who turned around to stare at Penelope and shake her head. Maybe not.“

~Penelope