By: Jennifer Sara Widelitz.

Gran always said, “Give something more thought than it’s worth, it’ll have power over you.”

My hair was a mess of wild copper curls—unruly, according to Gran. Unlike the curling gels and styling products she bought me, I applied her words liberally and didn’t give my unrulyness a second thought. Now—standing before the mirror, copper strands wrapped around my throat and mouth, another tightening around my wrist until scissors dropped from numb fingers—I considered maybe my hair was worth a bit more thought.

A loose coil glided down my cheek, a soft caress. Good girl.

I shivered.

© 2025. Jennifer Sara Widelitz

Jennifer Sara Widelitz has an MSc in Creative Writing from the University of Edinburgh and a BFA in Visual Effects from SCAD. She authored “Battle Cry,” illustrated “A Heavenly World,” and has poetry and fiction published in various literary magazines. Visit jenniferwidelitz.com.

Posted February 25, 2026.