In the Name of Change

Leave it alone! She's changing!

As I sipped tea, eight other individuals strolled into the conference room at the Equatorial hotel on a Saturday afternoon. Some knew each other, demonstrated by their endless hugs and kisses, but I didn't. I only knew my client, who was at the time busy directing the photographers where to set up the backdrop. While all this was happening, I sat at the table, smiled at the Lady in Green who sat next to me, and continued to munch on the hotel sandwiches.

Soon after, the moderator of the talk got up and directed everybody to say their name, their occupation, and explain why they were there. Predictably, I was asked to be the first to do so. Dammit!!!

Hello, I'm Muddy, I said, while glancing at everybody at the room. I am a management consultant, and...the reason why I am here is...because...I have always been curious about cosmestic surgery. I know absolutely nothing about it, beyond what I have seen on TV.

I looked at my client, and she gave me a smile, somewhat hinting how sorry she was that I had to filled in for a participant who cancelled last minute. Despite that I was actually there to view the dialogue on the side, I agreed to participate, largely because I was fascinated by the topic.

One by one, everyone expressed their viewpoints on cosmetic surgery :

"A person can do whatever they want. But the key point is moderation."

"These reality shows only makes people have high or wrong impressions of what cosmetic surgery can do for them."

"There is absolutely no insurance for cosmetic surgery. Why should there be insurance for a girl who wants to get her boobs bigger?"

"I don't understand why people want to have double eye-lids. You were genetically programmed not to have that. Deal with it!"

"I had liposuction done on my thighs. It's still big though."

Even I contributed my fair share, but while all this was happening, no one knew that I had a dark secret. And it's across my chest and upper arm.

You see, I have a large birthmark and I have always felt embarrassed about it. When I was a kid, everyone asked what it was, and I remember I said, It's sunburn. Strangely, it was a permanent one, and I kept on asking Ma why I had to have one.

As I grew older, I begin to accept this mark and carry it proudly, because truly, it's proof of my mother's love and how she never gave up into bringing me in this world. But, sadly to say, a tiny part of me still feels somewhat irritated, especially when some people continue to stare at the area whenever I am shirtless.

At one point of the discussion, I blurted out this fact.

"Take your off your shirt!" a lady yelled.

I soon came to realize what a big mistake I have made, as everyone glowered for me to reveal my natural tattoo. Miraculously, the moderator saw how embarrassed I was, and ushered everybody a pleasant evening ahead.

Thank God! I thought. Half naked infront of my client? Aiyooo!!!