Fiction | September 01, 1991
The Phenomenology of Shame
Lynne Butler Oaks
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When she passes you in the hall, try to meet her eyes. Look away. Watch her smooth progress reflected in the window. She has not looked at you either. You notice her bruise-coolored shoes. The soft soles. How thin her ankles are. Back the surgery station, pretend to ignore the whispers. Check charts. Note alterations of the vital signs. Don’t participate by asking questions. You will learn enough to make a rough sketch of the facts…
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