Chapter 1

They say curiousity killed the cat but what about when it makes you fat?

The way it moved beneath his shirt was fascinating. Threatening to spill out the bottom and over his waistband exposing his recent overindulgences. Leaving him vulnerable to judgement. He didn’t seem to care that the indent of his belly button was becoming more evident. He didn’t seem to care that he was in danger of spilling over the sides of his jeans. He seemed solely focused on eating.

I watched him shove the last of his burger into his mouth smearing sauce on his lips. Then he took down his second milkshake in one go. He leaned back in his seat and sighed. He licked the sauce off his lips then sat up to reach for a napkin. The slightest bit of belly slipped out from under his shirt and remained in view. I couldn’t stop looking.

I pushed my food over to him. He grunted a reply to thank me then started eating again. I was still hungry but this was too interesting to not watch. I waited for him to finish before getting up for more food. Out of the corner of my eye I could see him toying with the little roll of fat at his waist. He continued his binge despite the impending consequences.

My eyes were bigger than my stomach. So he once again stepped in to prevent food waste. I leaned back to try to get comfortable. Why couldn’t I push myself like him? There he was forcing down his third meal and starting to spill out of his clothes while I was just overly full. I could have done more.

He burped loudly and pushed the plate away. His belly pushed out and over his jeans. His shirt was clingy tightly to his middle. He groaned and smiled. I envied him. I felt uncomfortable.

Our daily McDonald’s meal is what we called it. Everyday on the way home from school we went through the drive thru. Every four times I got him slightly more food. I wanted to test his limits. Every day he would finish it all. Each day he seemed just the slightest bit softer. Just a little more to him.

Morning doughnuts became a thing. Normally he road his bike to school or got a ride or walked. I was just being a good friend and also curious to see what would happen with less exercise. I saw the doughnut shop and insisted we get at least one each. He protested saying he had had a huge breakfast. But he caved. A doughnut a day soon became two then three.