But the Shames were mindless. They were simply noise given form. They swirled around him, a tornado of past transgressions, demanding to be acknowledged.

: A psychological report from HelpGuide.org looks at the damaging effects of body shaming, noting that fat-shaming often results in increased calorie consumption and reduced physical activity rather than motivation.

The papers unfolded themselves, snapping open in the air. The kitchen filled with a rustling sound, like dry leaves skittering on pavement. Elias scrambled backward, pressing his back against the refrigerator.

Elias looked at the pile. He felt the weight of them, the sharp edges. He looked at his wife, who saw the worst of him and wasn't looking away.

Mara didn't scream. She stepped over the broken glass. She walked into the storm of confessions.

For example:

: Public figures and private citizens alike face "fat-shaming" or other forms of moral stigmatization. These acts are frequently criticized as being less about accountability and more about asserting dominance or gaining social "clout". Shames Mountain : A Backcountry Paradise

Elias couldn't breathe. This was the end of his marriage, the end of his dignity. He was exposed.