“Kate? Is that you, Kate?” Clarissa froze in her tracks, blocking the entry door to the food market, mouth open, staring.

“Hi, Clarissa,” her friend answered while pulling out a grocery cart. “Better come in before you get run over.”

Kate jumped out of the way of several shoppers as they rushed by. “I didn’t recognize you. I mean . . . you are . . . that is . . .”

Kate was at a loss for words.

“You mean . . . I'm so much smaller.” Kate opened her coat and twirled about, obviously pleased with the effect. “A new plan and a new me,” she said with gusto.

“Wow. Well, it is a new you all right.” Clarissa said, finding her powers of speech.

“You bet it is. Forty-five pounds lighter and four dress sizes smaller!”