John averted his eyes as he stepped onto the bus to school. He didn't want to know what kind of face the driver was making at him. He took one of the frontmost seats, reasoning that doing so would allow him to face away from as many of his peers as possible.
The bus groaned into motion again as he placed his backpack between his knees. If my classmates see me like this, my life will be over right then and there. he thought. Unzipping his backpack, he rummaged through the depths of the bag for a solution.
Got it! he exclaimed in his head as he grasped the thing he was looking for. Drawing his arm from the backpack, he produced a light blue surgical mask. Frayed and stained black with graphite.
He stretched the mask over his face, feeling a little more at ease as it sat snugly against his mouth. Perhaps I'll be able to make it through the day after all.
As the bus followed its route, John dug the aftercare manual from his backpack. It was a thick, hand-typed document consisting of printer sheets stapled together to form a booklet.
He almost couldn't bear to open the thing, lest the reality of his new condition set in. "Vaginal Cheiliplasty Aftercare Manual, page 1 of 26"
Damn, I knew vaginas were complicated. Thought John But this really takes the cake. He had expected to be able to get through the whole thing on his way to school, but would have to settle for reading it piecemeal over the coming days.
He flipped to a random page.
"Pubic hair: General maintenance"
"It is normal to experience some pubic hair growth on the labia majora. Owners should take car to shave carefully to avoid irritation. Electric shavers are preferrable. Do not hesitate to seek help from an aesthetician if a finer shave is desired."
"Pubic hair should be kept short to avoid buildup of discharge and other fluids."
Ugh, I can't believe I've got to deal with this too. Thought John.
The bus rounded the final corner before stopping in front of its destination.
