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Star Pox (10) : Genetically modified fruits aren’t exactly new but every now and then something seems to be going on with them. This year, it’s star fruit. The entire batch from Destiny City’s largest supplier has a strange side effect; a few minutes after eating one, star-shaped ‘freckles’ will begin to cover the skin. While this has been colloquially dubbed’ star pox’, it appears to be a harmless allergic reaction. The freckles fade after a few hours and pose no actual health risks; they’ve become quite popular across social media. This might be your only chance to experience the strange trend! …Unless sales are good enough to bring them back.
She hadn’t believed it when she’d heard about it. But, as Bryn stared into her mirror, she had to admit that the ‘star fruit freckles’ were not a hoax. A friend had given her a couple of the fruits, knowing she enjoyed trying new things, all the while telling her about the odd allergic reaction that gave everyone freckles shaped like stars. It was so amazing. It was so fun. As reactions went, it was completely benign. Bryn had managed to keep from rolling her eyes and had accepted the gift, thinking nothing more of it.
Except, she’d eaten them this morning for breakfast and when she’d gone to brush her teeth and do her hair, her skin was already speckled with freckles that looked like stars. For a moment, she stared at her reflection in dismay. Then, her sense of humor took over and she decided to enjoy this It wasn’t like she had anything important going on. It was a free day and she’d planned to check out the Festival. She’d been told the freckles lasted a few hours on average, so she had time to make the most of the situation. Still. Working quickly, she brushed out her hair and wound it up into fluffy, messy space buns. Her bangs only needed a bit of finger fluffing done to smooth out the worst of the cowlicks. Next, makeup.
Working quickly, but diligently, she applied her cutest and brightest makeup, taking special care to lightly outline and glitter up the largest of the star freckles on her face and shoulders. After applying setting powder, she ran for her closet. She didn’t have anything with star print on it, but she did have a cute halter top that was silvery and shimmery. That with white skinny jeans and a pair of glittery silver flats. And… yes. Yes, that would work. Some cute bangle bracelets and rings. She’d go for smaller earrings and nothing on the neck since she wanted the freckles to be the attention grabbers here. Twirling in front of her mirror, Bryn decided that she would never achieve a more perfect look than this for the day.
Grabbing her purse, sunglasses, keys and phone, she headed out, grateful that today would be warm, but not too hot. Every once in a while, she stopped to snap a selfie if she saw a cute little cart or pretty plants to pose with. A few times, she’d heard approving catcalls, though she ignored those. But the best pictures were with other cute girls who sported similar freckling and were delighted to meet more people who’d eaten the star fruits. They’d take pictures together, gush compliments and then go on their way. It was the sort of social interaction that Bryn enjoyed the most.
One such cluster of girls couldn’t have been older than fifteen or sixteen. And while Bryn wisely stayed out of their pictures, she was happy enough to snap a few for them so the entire little friend group could be together for one magical moment. As soon as they were finished, a carnival barker came up and grinned, handing each of them a small golden star charm.
“Girls, that was the cutest thing I’ve seen all day. Take these and enjoy the Festival!”
Smiling her thanks, Bryn waved to the girls and walked off. There were still places she wanted to see and get pictures of before her stars faded completely.
Word Count = 577
