Squashing Shirley

By J. M. Eckford

Beth knows she's overweight. Obese, actually. She's disgusted at herself and prays daily for God to take her in her sleep. But He doesn't. 

 

She lives alone, is practically bed ridden, and relies on her brother to visit and bathe her daily. Not the most dignified of situations.

 

But despite her physical disabilities, Beth manages to run her own business from the single room that she's confined to. It's not the business she ever intended to run, but she's earning a living. Except this isn't living, this is just existing, for her staple diet consists of fast food, and lots of it. And it's sure to send her to an early grave as she continues the habit to satisfy other people's festishes online.

 

Until one day, someone decides it's time to change. But that someone isn't Beth.

 

Will Beth change her ways and live a healthier lifestyle? Find out in 'Squashing Shirley', the new 'My 600lb Life' meets 'Black Mirror' short story from J. M. Eckford.

 

Note: Contains strong language and adult themes including references to sexual violence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. M. Eckford
• Release date: Jun 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201451905

Book preview

Squashing Shirley

Hi, I’m Beth. I’m twenty eight years old and I rent a small flat in the centre of Leeds in the North of England. It’s not much, but it’s been home for the last seven years of my life, since I graduated from university.

The flat itself consists of one bedroom, which is located on the first floor along with the smallest bathroom in the world. The living room is on the ground floor. There is no separate kitchen, instead, the living room has kitchen facilities down one wall with cupboards, an oven, a kettle and a microwave. There’s everything I need in my cosy little home. It’s my safe place. My haven.

But my living room is no longer just my living room and hasn’t been for the last three years. You see, I haven’t been able to get up the stairs in that time, so I sold my sofa and had my brother,