Reflections and Beauty

The beautician gestured for him to sit down on a stool in front of a large, circular mirror. He began to examine Gao Bi's expression as he looked at himself, and said. 

"Now….. Tell me what you want to 'fix' about yourself."

"Fix about myself…." Gao Bi mumbled. 

He couldn't say the many eyes, of course. 

So he said. "My natural appearance. Can you fix it?"

The beautician smiled. "No. I only asked you that because that's what I always ask my clients. And my answer would always be....."

He looked at his eyes directly through the mirror. 

"That there was never anything to fix. Everyone is perfect just as they are, we have just lived our lives being taught not to believe that. That there is one singular standard for beauty."

Gao Bi was surprised by this profound response, as the beautician began to unpack the rouge and other make-up products he bought.