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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.

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She hadn’t thought anything about it when she picked up one of the neat little star-like fruits. Dawn just figured it was like those watermelons they grew in boxes or specially cultivated fruits. They were novelties or at least a product they were likely to release to a much wider market then just Destiny City. Especially since they weren’t terribly expensive. She was easily able to buy one for lunch between the very short window of time between her jobs. Her budget was tight since she needed to save every penny she could for school in the fall but she couldn’t skip meals… again.

Not after her little spell the other day. Just because she got a bit dizzy didn’t mean anything but her coworkers were now being rather proactive in making sure she ate or at least had eaten, hence the fruit currently in her possession. The young woman quickly devoured the strange looking fruit while she waited for the bus, surprised but pleased with its flavor. It really was quite a novel item and Dawn figured it would sell quite well at its current price point outside of the city.

It wasn’t until she reached her job that the strawberry blonde found out about the ‘star pox’ that was all the rage on social media. Her coworker had instantly squealed in glee when she saw her. Jane chattered on and on about some instagram model and this guy on Tik Tok, all these names and pictures and it wasn’t until Dawn was able to get her to stop that any explanations were provided.

Along with Dawn’s normal freckles she now sported little star-like freckles, and it was definitely all over the internet as Jane happily showed Dawn. The strawberry blonde didn’t really know what to make of it. They were cute and everything but not knowing how it happened did disturb her. That feeling didn’t even fade when Jane rambled on about how it's from some star fruit, like the one Dawn had eaten, and everything. The other woman’s wish to get her own star pox just went right over Dawn’s head as she once again checked out her new ‘freckles’ in the staff bathroom mirror.

“And you're sure they aren't permanent?” She pressed her friend.

“Yeeeesssss! All the beauty gurus and insta models assure that they are temporary. They only show up for a few hours, a day at most.” Jane rolled her eyes and fiddled with her phone, the little opal star charm connected to her case swinging and twirling as she swiped past video after video before presenting a short clip to Dawn that reiterated what she had said several times now. “See, there’s nothing to worry about. Besides the stars aren’t as noticeable because of your own freckles so it's all good. I just wish you would let me take pictures, or at least tell me where you got it so I can get one too.” Jane pouted and once again started her cajoling whine. She wanted star pox too!

“I honestly don’t remember! It was from some roadside vendor on the other side of town. I’m sorry Jane! If I had known I would have picked you up one too. If I see any others being sold I’ll make sure to pick you one up as well.” Dawn tried to comfort her friend and coworker.

“Fiiiiinnnne,” Jane sighed and then shoved her phone back in her pocket. “Come on. Let's go, the shelves won't stock themselves.” And with that they exited the bathroom and started their shifts, Jane occasionally grumbling about star pox and Dawn doing her best to hide her new facial decoration. It was going to be an interesting next few hours, that was for sure.