Maya's birthday dawned with a sense of anticipation. The sun peeked through her curtains, casting a warm glow on the hardwood floor. At nineteen, she felt a surge of excitement--a new year, a fresh start.
Bounding out of bed, Maya stretched her arms overhead, her lithe frame elongating. She stood at five feet five inches, her body lean and athletic. Her skin, kissed by the morning light, bore the faintest freckles across her nose. Today, she vowed to celebrate not just her age but her vitality.
The bathroom tiles were cool under her feet as she stepped into the shower. Steam enveloped her, and she let the water cascade over her, washing away sleep and leaving her skin tingling. She scrubbed her hair, the shampoo's scent of eucalyptus invigorating her senses. As she shaved her body, she played out the day ahead--a yoga class with Becky, her best friend since kindergarten, followed by brunch with the girls.
Maya wrapped herself in a plush towel, her damp hair clinging to her shoulders. She stood before the mirror, studying her reflection. Her eyes, a shade of hazel that shifted with her mood, sparkled with anticipation. She traced the curve of her collarbones, appreciating the strength in her shoulders. Maya let the towel fall to the floor, and admired her thin but curvy frame. She gave her her perky breasts a squeeze with both hands before heading to get ready.
With a soft brush, she applied minimal makeup--a touch of mascara to emphasize her almond-shaped eyes, a hint of blush to highlight her cheekbones. Maya wasn't one for heavy cosmetics; she preferred the natural canvas of her face. She slipped on her spandex shorts with a matching sports bra, and took one final step in front of the mirror. Her lips curved into a satisfied smile as she stepped back, assessing her appearance. She looked like herself--vibrant, ready for whatever the day held.
Maya's anticipation bubbled over as she reached the yoga studio. The scent of incense and the soft hum of soothing music peeked through the open window. And there, just outside the door, stood Becky--her towering best friend, a gentle amazon with a heart as big as her frame.
Becky's 5-foot-10-inch presence dwarfed Maya's petite form. Her broad shoulders and strong arms hinted at a power that Maya admired, maybe even craved. As Maya approached, Becky's eyes lit up with excitement, and she enveloped her in a bear hug. The world spun for a moment as Becky effortlessly lifted her off her feet, picking her up in a front carry.
"Happy birthday, little dynamo!" Becky said rocking her side to side, her feet dangling above the ground. Maya blushed, her cheeks matching the pink yoga mat rolled up in her hand. She squirmed, half-embarrassed, half-thrilled. Becky's strength was astonishing, and the surprise of being hoisted like a feather left her momentarily speechless. Maya wrapped her legs around Becky's waist.
"Thanks Becky!" Maya said hugging her back. She unraveled her legs from Beckys waist and reached them towards the ground. Instead of allowing her down, Becky grabbed the backs of Maya's thighs and hoisted her higher up her body.
"Come on my little yoga goddess, it's your birthday." Becky said, grabbing the door handle to the yoga studio. "Let me give you the full princess treatment." With that, Becky carried Maya on her hip into the studio.
Kim, the yoga teacher, looked up from adjusting her own mat. Her eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, well," she said, her voice warm. "Maya, you've got quite the entrance today!"
Maya's attempted to mask her embarassment with laughter. She wriggled out of Becky's hold, her feet finally touching the ground. "Thanks a lot, Becky," she said, her voice teasing. "Next time, maybe ask me before picking me up next time!"
Becky winked. "No promises," she replied. "But hey, it's your birthday--you deserve to be a little princess for the day."
Becky stepped onto her mat next to Maya's, and the two girls faced the front of the room.
Kim, the yoga instructor, embodies grace, beauty and strength. At 29 years old, she exudes a serene confidence that draws students to her mat. Her Filipina heritage is evident in her warm, almond-shaped eyes and the gentle curve of her smile. Her jet black hair pulled into a tight ponytail.
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, Kim moves with fluidity--a dancer's elegance fused with the grounded stability of a seasoned yogi. Her lithe frame, weighing 125 pounds, belies the power within. When she demonstrates poses, her muscles ripple beneath her skin, a testament to a decade of dedicated practice.
Before becoming an instructor, Kim graced magazine covers and runways. Her modeling days are now a distant memory, but her poise remains. She wears her past like a well-loved scarf--soft, familiar, and woven into the fabric of her present.
As the class settles in, Kim sits cross-legged at the front. Her voice, melodic and resonant, cut through the hushed studio. The students settled onto their mats, eyes fixed on her. She stood at the front, her presence both grounding and uplifting.
"Ladies," Kim began, her gaze sweeping the room, "today, we explore the power of lifting--both within and beyond our bodies." She paused, letting her words settle. "As women, we often carry more than just our own weight. We bear responsibilities, dreams, and sometimes burdens. But here, in this sacred space, we lift each other."
Becky, still grinning from her front lift of Maya, nodded in agreement. Maya blushed, feeling the warmth of camaraderie. Kim continued, her hands gesturing gracefully.
"Emotionally, we lift each other through encouragement, kindness, and shared experiences. We celebrate victories and hold hands during challenges. And physically..." Kim's eyes twinkled, before landing on Maya. A grin crept to her face "well, that's where our practice today comes in."
She beckoned to Becky. "Becky, would you do the honors of bringing the birthday girl to the front of the class? The same way you brought her into the room."
Before Maya could register what was said, Becky was standing in front of her. She hugged Maya under her butt and effortlessly lifted her off the ground. With a gentle nod, she carried Maya to the front of the class. Kim hugged Maya from behind, picking her up out of Becky's arms, and too easily maneuvered her into a cradle. Maya's heart raced--part excitement, but mostly vulnerability. She felt all the eyes in the room on her.
Kim held Mayan in her arms, her touch firm yet gentle. "Ladies," she addressed the class, "today is Maya's birthday. And as a special exercise, we're going to lift her--literally." Chuckles rippled through the room, causing Maya's cheeks to darken. "I would like each of you to take a turn holding her in your arms, offering your well wishes."
The women exchanged excited glances, curiosity sparking. Maya, in no position to protest, clung to Kim's neck, unsure of where to look. A particularly curvaceous blonde named Claire was the first to step forward, eagerly stretching out her arms. Kim gently handed Maya to her. "Happy Birthday girlie." She said quietly, slowly rocking her back and forth.
