SOLE BEAUTY
“Will it hurt, Mother?” Changying met Mother’s deep brown eyes. Was she crying? Mother rubbed Changying’s feet, massaging oil on the bottom and over the toes. Her light touch felt almost like a hug. Then Mother took firm hold of the pinky and snapped it. Lightning stabbed Changying. She fought the thrust of her stomach. Mother continued. A second toe. A third. A fourth. Unbelievable pain. Agony even. Pain that started now and would last the rest of her life.
“You are a good daughter, Changying,” Mother said when it was done. Changying nodded, choking back the sobs. She could not stop the tears, but she did not scream. This was important. This was what a woman had to do. This was beauty.
What Is Beauty?
How important is beauty to you? What would you do
