Time for work

Lauren flinched as her mother walked in, carrying an old pair of flats with buckles on them.

"Here, put these on." Her mother commanded. "You only have a few minutes to get to work."

"Work?" Lauren asked, feeling growing dread. "I'm supposed to go to work... like this?"

"Lauren, I saw you at work yesterday." Her mother pointed out. "You were dressed like a white trash hooker, with half your butt hanging out! This is a much better look. Now, hurry up!"

Lauren reluctantly slipped on the shoes. They too were from her childhood, and undersized, pinching unpleasantly. Her mother took her hand and yanked her from her room. Lauren stumbled after her, finding it difficult to walk in these minuscule shoes as she was pulled from the shelter of her old room...