back at work

A couple of friends think I shouldn't go into work. 

One friend suggests I put a band-aid on my nose. That way I can get away with an easy, I fell answer if anyone asks. But a band-aid on my nose looks totally ridiculous.

Another friend thinks customers might avoid me for fear of catching whatever unnamed disease I may be carrying.

And a third friend, after I text her a current selfie, texts back, "You can't see where your nose begins and ends!!" She's right. It's one big bright red mush on my face. And it itches and stings like crazy.

Still, I go in. 

I've come up with an easy answer if asked. "I have sun poisoning." But no one asks.

No one seems to avoid me. I have a decent day. I think it'd have been exactly the same with my normal face.

I'm the only one who feels awkward. Every time I pass a mirror (and there are many at Saks) I try not to look. 

By the time I leave, my nose is on fire and itching. 

Taking off my make-up is the highlight of my day.

But it's nice to know that I'm the only one who is bothered by my face. To customers, I'm happy to be just another sales associate.