Something of Value

The Womb With a View ( One of five short stories )

Why Mary’s skin had no pigment in it, was never known, but it offered to the medical
professional the chance to observe first-hand the miraculous workings of the human
body; things that could only be figured-out through autopsies and the examination of
dead bodies. Some biological activities can be discovered during operations, but only
for limited time-periods, and never for a long enough time to suit those interested in
truly understanding how a human body works.

Mary’s skin was as clear as glass; just like those of glass fish you see occasionally in
aquariums. Fortunately, for Mary, only parts of her body were that way; parts that
she could cover conveniently with clothing. Her face, arms, hands, legs, and feet were
of normal coloring. It was primarily her torso that was clear enough to reveal all that
went-on inside.

Despite her obvious peculiarity, she had been able to lead a somewhat normal life, due
mainly to her parents most conscientiously guarding her privacy, all her life. Other
than her parents, only her family physician had the chance to see Mary in person and
up close. Over the years he had been allowed to take pictures, and even videos, of
Mary’s insides, but he always managed to conceal both his and Mary’s true identity,
whenever he made his findings public.

Mary’s social life was quite limited by her condition. All through high school she had
to be excused from any physical education classes because she was not allowed to
use a public shower, where others might see, but not understand, her body. And when
summer came she had to be especially careful that the sun did not penetrate into her
body through her clear skin. Internal organs were not made to withstand the heat, or
the solar radiation. Without the protection of normal layers of skin, Mary would die
due to overheating, or damage from the sun.

One summer though, Mary did meet someone; someone who understood her problem
and who would not reveal it to anyone else. His name was Joe, Mary’s doctor’s son. He
had been going away to school for the last seven years and had occasionally come in
contact with Mary at his father’s office. They never really had the time to get to know
each other very well, due to Joe’s schooling and Mary’s desire for privacy, but every
time their eyes met they never immediately looked away.

Something of Value
(Title Poem)
Something of value
Something of worth
From conception to death
I pray my life is, on Earth;

A life that was worth living;
That touched another's heart;
That caressed another's soul—
Each and every part;

A life not just something owned;
Nor merely possessed;
But shared with another
So we both feel blessed.

Rawland Storm

Sometimes something isn't really valuable until you give it away.