The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

In Praise of the Younger Model
by Suzanne Madron

It was getting harder and harder to keep up with the trends. What was in? What was out? This week it was one style, next week another.

The fact of the matter was that getting older was out and being younger and younger was in. Youth was and always had been in high demand. Ultimately, what was needed was a complete makeover. Start from scratch and be done with the whole thing. Sustainability was always the issue, though, wasn’t it? How did one manage to keep ahead of the aging process?

“This procedure,” the doctor said, pointing to one of the images on the promotional poster plastered to the office’s institutional neutral beige wall, “will ensure dates for decades. And this one,” she pointed to another picture, “will help you maintain your youthful glow.”

It was as simple as picking off a menu. They went through the options and the decision was made. The doctor smiled at the selection of the first – and most expensive – procedure. “Let’s get you started then!” As she applied the mask that would administer the anesthesia she said, “I have to warn you, your friends and family won’t recognize you when we’re done here.” And she giggled conspiratorially.

But that was the whole point, wasn’t it? To be a whole new person.

The procedure took hours. The outcomes were unexpected. Indeed, there was no recognition.

The extender bars in the shins were painful and the missing ribs were painful but barely missed. A glance in the mirror, after the bandages were removed, ensured he would always be attractive as long as he was wearing one of his prepared faces.

“You look great!” the doctor exclaimed. “And you made the right choice. You hardly even notice my face lines until I take it off.” She picked at what appeared to be a small scar along the underside of her earlobe and peeled her face away. “See? Easy peasy! Just remember to replace your face every month or so so it doesn’t get attached and moisturize!”

He tottered out on his elongated and scarred legs, wearing his new face, and with a prescription for more lab-grown faces in his pocket.

Fiction © Copyright Suzanne Madron
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com 

More from Suzanne Madron:

For Sale or Rent

The house across the street seems to go on the market every few months, but this time nothing about the sale is normal, including the new owners. No sooner has the for sale sign come down and the neighborhood is thrown into a Lovecraftian nightmare and the only way to find out is to attend the house warming party.

Available on Amazon!

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