New and Improved

I travelled to Venus for a new figure. They pulled, nipped, and tucked, and after a 24-hour recuperation, I now have an hourglass shape. I went to Mars for a new face. They lasered, pulled, and welded until I have a cut-glass jawline. I went to Pluto for some new legs. They stretched and added until I was tall and arachnoid. More time passed, and the mirror told me it was time for more improvements. I rented an inexpensive transformographer and let the machine surprise me. As I stretched my wings, I wondered if I would finally soar out happy.

Lena Ng lurks in Toronto, Canada. "Under an Autumn Moon" is her short story collection.