The gelatinous mass quivered gently on the floor. He stooped to pick it up and occupied his hands with it. “Excuse me, Ms. Talea. The traffic jars the shelves and things fall off them,” Dr. Secari explained.

He paused.

“In my opinion, your face is not entirely unattractive,” he continued, “but since you feel that cosmetic surgery would help you attract a husband, breast augmentation would be more effective. Because, to be painfully honest, your chest is flat. But you don’t simply want surgery: anyone can do that. You want art and I am an artiste. I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion.”

“At what cost, Doctor?”

“Ms. Talea, you can’t afford my services. The effort, the preparations, all the expense! However, yours is a severe case and I will work my magic for free! You shall have the breasts of a goddess!”