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The cosmetic surgery was performed the next day. Five days later Paula was able to return to Blake. Although her new nose was still swollen, its shape was discernible: it was subtly concave, like the side of a little bell. Her friends were all relieved to have her back. Mixed with their sense of relief was an enjoyment of the novelty of Paula’s profile. Squinting at her, they tried to picture her as she would be once the swelling went down. Melanie said, “Maybe you should go blond now?” Apparently a little annoyed, David said, “I don’t know what you’re going to do with them, but I think you’re going to have looks.” Kathy and Mike both told Paula that she was going to be gorgeous.

Paula doubted it. Walking to the theater with Melanie and David, she had to keep adjusting the sunglasses she was wearing to cover up the black eyes she’d gotten from the rhinoplasty.

“Dam it,” she said. “These sunglasses keep slipping down. It’s because I don’t have a bridge in my nose anymore.”

“Yeah,” said David. “It was a landmark. Too bad it’s gone.”