Centipede

So this makes me think of a story. Someone said this looks like a scorpion. It reminded me of a centipede. (It can remind you that you have to wear plenty of sunblock if you are cursed old whitey like I am...) It is my second little procedure on the same spot - long story - and I have 12 stitches. I can say for certain that there is basically one spot that people pat when they hug each other. And I have 12 little stitches in it. Aware!

I was 9. My family had very different ideas of a vacation than we do now. Most families did then. There weren't many hotels that were fancy... like now. And certainly not so many in South Carolina. We went to the capital of my little state. And stayed at (ta-da!) the Holidome which was a Holiday Inn that boasted about its indoor/outdoor pool. Well, it was an outdoor pool, with part inside - and a FLAP instead of some sort of wall. So naturally, in the winter, it was useless. My interest in the pool instantly vanished when I discovered the arcade. Centipede. To this day, I adore it! I had played all of my quarters but one. I was rocking that little machine when a much older man in overalls appeared at my side. He made some vain attempts at conversation but only distracted me in the end...when I turned to tell him exactly how his chit chat was affected me, I became aware that he was involved in other activities pretty much unrelated to chatting, or Centipede but definitely related to little girls - if you're a pedophile. So, completely ignorant of what his behavior actually meant (or could have meant), I less than politely informed him that he was really bothering me and, worst of all, making me waste my last quarter when I was playing quite well. I requested that he please leave the arcade. 9. I knew what I wanted then and was so much more comfortable in asking for it. Where did that go!?
His sick conduct didn't even bother me enough to warrant mention to my parents until years later when I told my mother as part of the funny anecdote about that lousy hotel. And I don't feel worried or threatened or upset when I think about that day. I feel proud and a little surprised. Hilarious in the end, assertive little chica.

Centipede. A scar with legs. A reminder of my 9 year old prowess. :) Heh.