Now You See Her...

Now You See Her…

         The quest for perfection filled Jody’s thoughts, a wrinkle-free face driving her to purchase every age-defying product imaginable. She watched television hoping to discover the latest remedies for agelessness, infomercials her guides, missives inspired by some cosmic force promising eternal beauty. Jody even tried channeling Ponce de Leon; positive he’d taken the location of the Fountain of Youth to his grave.

         The doorbell rang jarring Jody’s daydream. She opened the door to a Fed-Ex driver holding a large package.

         “Jody Narciss?”

         Jody signed, noticing the driver intently watching her. “You aren’t the regular driver.”

         “Stan has the week off—vacation.”

         “Oh.” Jody watched his rheumy eyes. “Is there something you need besides my signature?”

         “No, just like to memorize my customers.”

         “Oh, I thought I… Thanks.”

         Jody tried to remember where she’d seen those eyes, however, once the package was open she chose to use what lay inside the box instead of remember. A line of products boasting molecular changes with a bottom of the bottle guarantee lay within her grasp.

         Convinced, she began applying creams to specified areas, every day doubling the dosage. Soon her face brightened, lines disappeared, the skin on her body reformed.

         Two weeks later, Jody awoke lightheaded, pain and confusion heavily infusing her brain. She looked in the mirror. That couldn’t be. She reached for the now empty jar, opening it to ensure she’d used every drop.

         Words inside the jar jolted Jody as she honed in on the missive. “You are vain, choosing beauty over enlightenment. Your decision is final. You will now disappear, punishment for self-absorption. P de L.”

         Jody screamed at her reflection, remembering where she’d seen those eyes. She’d tried to convince him to reveal the dead, a man who’d warned against seeking vanity over grace.


Word Count 295