Nipples

Taking off the multi-stringed gown means having to work out how to put it on again after. Can’t I just walk to the mammogram room gownless? They’re only breasts…onto which Irina is now sticking cancer-pink band-aids.

     “How come there’s little metal beads on them?”

     “To show where your nipples are.”

     “They can’t tell?” If the doctors need beads to find a nipple, are they really able to detect cancer?

     “Not always. Some women have three.” The stray hairs dotting my nipples now epitomize normalcy.

     “Some have none.” Oh.

     I fall silent and Irina packs me efficiently, like meat, into the machine.

Image: Victorian Steel-Cut Button, K. Bischoping