This story has appeared in The Beaumont Magazine. I also entered it for the Bridport Prize for "Flash Fiction" No, I didn't win, but, there's always next year!

I wish that I could be as brave as you, Sarah.
Oh, Jenny, I’m not brave, it was more a leap of faith. I just prayed that the world would accept me as a woman; hiding was no longer an option.
And if the world had said: “No, you’re a guy! Get back into the closet!”
Then I would have replied: “Sorry world, I burnt my closet!
That’s ironic, Sarah, because I burnt all my dresses!

No!

I needed the symbolism of it: I would rise from the ashes a man.
I see.
The funny thing is that I saved my favourite dress from the flames!

Because Jenny was still inside you.
She always has been, but even so, I might build another bonfire; the matches are always close at hand.
No more dark nights of the soul, darling. I’ve been there and it’s a lot better in the daylight. Now, come on, let’s go shopping and we’ll buy you a flame proof nighty!

Ha ha! Very practical!
So, are you coming?
Yes, but...
Please, Jenny, take a chance.
People will stare.
Let them.
I so want to, but… oh, maybe just for a little while.
Fantastic!
How do I look?
Gorgeous!
Will I get read?
Sometimes.
What do I do?
Just smile.
But…
It’s going to be OK, Jenny.
If you say so.
Take my hand.
My turn to make a leap of faith?
And I am with you.