It is warm inside the buffet and the smell hits me right away. Fried food, fresh bread, sweet desserts waiting at the back. I can already feel the way people are looking at me as I take my plate, the quiet curiosity in their eyes. I move slowly through the line, taking my time, piling things higher than I probably should. The plate feels heavy in my hands and it makes me smile.
When I sit down I take a slow first bite. I let it linger on my tongue before I swallow. Then another bite. And another. I am not in a rush. I want to enjoy every single thing and I know the people watching will see that too. It is almost like I am performing for them without trying.
I get up again for more and the glances follow me. I hear plates clink and chairs scrape but all I feel is my own hunger pulling me forward. I stack my plate again until I have to balance it carefully in both hands. Sitting back down feels even better this time. My stomach is starting to feel warm and full but I am not done.
The food disappears bite after bite and I keep going back. It feels almost like I am floating but heavier with every trip. I can feel the curve of my belly pressing against the edge of the table. There is a quiet thrill in knowing people are seeing it grow rounder with every plate.
By the time I am finally finished my stomach is tight and heavy. Standing up is slow and I can feel the weight of every step. My walk has turned into a soft waddle and I know it is obvious. I can feel eyes on me as I head for the door and I love every second of it. The way they saw me come in hungry and leave so full, glowing and satisfied, is almost better than the food itself.
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