Martin didn’t look at her. He read his financial news. The expected sex was formal, a frictional act performed out of a fictional interest. She had few friends. She was alone.

“Let’s whiten your smile,” said her dentist. “It will be like having brand-new teeth! How can he not notice?”

“Ohhh-ayyy,” she said, mouth wide.

Martin did not notice.

“I know someone,” said the dentist.

“Your face has beautiful lines,” said the surgeon. “Subtle implants in the jaw will have enormous effect. He will sit up and stare!”

“Please,” she said, eyes closed.

Martin did not sit up or stare.

“Let me think,” said the surgeon.

“Your husband does not deserve you,” said the dentist. “It is time to please someone else.”

“What can we do?” she asked.

“It’s past time for subtlety,” said the surgeon. “Let us be daring.”

“I’ve been looking forward to this,” said the dentist.

“I, too,” said the surgeon.

Martin didn’t look at her. He read his financial news. When he expected sex, he did not expect her brand-new teeth. She did not expect so much blood, or her tears.

“Did I want this?” she said. “To be someone else's monster?”