The Pedicure That Wasn’t Just Cosmetic

A frivolous visit that saved my big toe!

Aurelie B.
Age of Empathy

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The photo in black and white of a foot on a coffee table, next to a mug.
Photo by Philippe Murray-Pietsch on Unsplash

Today, I went for a pedicure. I always thought a pedicure was a luxury, an experience I desired but dreaded for months. Being unemployed, $50 for something cosmetic didn’t seem reasonable.

Any extra dollar at the end of the month goes towards something for my two kittens. I take motherhood seriously — even if we don’t share DNA.

I had neglected self-care for months, partly due to finances and partly because of a slight kitty postpartum depression. Having the responsibility for two lives sobered me up quickly — though I’ve never been much of a drinker. As wonderful as it is having these two furballs, it was a huge lifestyle change and turned emotionally challenging.

All this to say, I neglected myself for too long. So one sunny morning, I finally pushed open the door to the beauty salon. I knew where to go, having been there once over 18 months ago to make my toenails pretty.

The strong smell of acetone hit me as I entered, almost making me regret my decision, but I was committed. I deserved to treat myself, to be taken care of, for once. I asked shyly about the price for a French pedicure. The shop lady knew her menu by heart: “$45 for French shellac, $35 for regular polish. One color shellac is $40.”

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