that is right and true.”

“I wish I could see this essence,” sighed Donna. “All I know is this image in the mirror, fat and fuzzy-haired, and my complexion is a mess, and I don’t like myself in any glasses, no matter how beautiful the frames are, and –”

“Stop,” said Taliesin gently. “I see that shape and beauty mean a lot to you. It must be something in your reality, society, and culture. They may be stuck with outer images instead of seeing the inner core. I find it strange because the body is a mere shell to me.”

“In the culture of my reality,” said Donna, considering, “it is very much as you say. Entire industries exist to teach you how to be beautiful. What to wear, what to eat, how to reshape your body,...

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