Middlescence \mid-l-ES-uh ns\ - The middle-age period of life, especially when considered a difficult time of self-doubt and readjustment.
Jellal stared hard at his reflection in the mirror. 39 years of wear and tear lined his face, joining the red lines that covered one side. He reached up to trace the intricate design, something he could do with his eyes closed. He's had it for as long as he could remember. A strange birthmark that gained him looks everywhere he went.
He used to wear it proudly, daring strangers to stare. These days he wasn't sure. Maybe it was because he was in his middlescence, but the red lines seemed out of place. The words spoken by his thirteen year old daughter echoed through his mind. "It's weird, dad. Everyone talks about you when you drop me off. Why don't you just get rid of it?" The whispers had started to get louder. Was it weird? The words had stung.
Jellal loosed a breath as he dropped his hand from his face and reached for his phone. He'd tried calling about twenty times now, always hanging up before the first ring finished. Taking one last glance in the mirror, he clicked the number and brought the phone to his ear.
It rang three times before someone answered.
"Hello. This is Jellal Fernandes and I'd like to schedule an appoint to get a birthmark removed."