It is a skirt made of top to bottom sequins – which run from copper to gold to turquoise. It shimmers like the sea.

I feel shy putting it on.

To be months in a dressing gown, feeling matte and sallow, the deepest colour being the purple rings under my eyes, can I really shine?

I apply khaki kohl to bring out the green in my eyes.

It’s time to leave the room.

I feel scared and strange.

My partner takes my hand.