Title: Ghostly Metamorphosis at Seoul Salon
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Certainly! Here is the story in the requested numbered format, with detailed character descriptions, dialogues, outfits, jewelry lists, and an unfolding supernatural experience, as specified.
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1. The story begins in a sleepy suburban town on a bright, mild June morning.
2. In a compact gray sedan, a boy named Oliver sits buckled up in the back seat.
3. Oliver is almost four years old, born on April 11th, 2020.
4. His height is 3 feet 7 inches.
5. He weighs 40 pounds.
6. Oliver is white, with porcelain skin carrying a healthy warmth.
7. His hair is chestnut brown, cut short on the sides with a tousled mop above.
8. His eyes are wide, a gentle blue, often filled with innocent curiosity.
9. Today, Oliver wears denim shorts, a dinosaur t-shirt, and small blue sneakers with two Velcro straps.
10. His mother, Scarlett, sits in the driver’s seat.
11. Scarlett is 22 years old, born on October 7th, 2001.
12. She is petite, standing at 5 feet 2 inches.
13. Her weight is 112 pounds.
14. Her hair is medium blonde, straight, and worn in a shoulder-length bob with side bangs.
15. Scarlett’s eyes are pale green, soft and gentle.
16. She wears a peach cotton sundress and tan sandals.
17. In the passenger seat sits Oliver’s grandma, Elaine.
18. Elaine is 48 years old, born on May 15th, 1976.
19. She’s 5 feet 0 inches tall.
20. Her weight is 140 pounds.
21. Her hair is silver-gray, curled tightly and pinned back with a pearl barrette.
22. Elaine’s eyes are a light blue, rimmed with laugh lines.
23. She is dressed in pale blue linen trousers and a white floral blouse, simple tan flats completing her look.
24. Scarlett glances back at Oliver, smiling reassuringly.
25. “You ready for your big haircut, buddy?” she asks.
26. Oliver nods, clutching a small plush triceratops.
27. Elaine leans over, pats his shoulder warmly.
28. The salon is a glass-fronted spot in a nearby plaza, above the door: “Seoul Salon and Spa.”
29. The three step out; Scarlett helps Oliver from the car.
30. They walk inside, fragrant with floral shampoo and a hum of quiet voices.
31. Inside: five Korean women work, bringing energy to the neat space.
32. The first stylist is Mrs. Yeon-Ji Park.
33. Yeon-Ji is 50, born March 8th, 1974, just slightly older than Elaine.
34. She is 4 feet 10 inches, weighing 102 pounds.
35. Her hair is coal black, cropped in a sharp pixie cut with short sideburns.
36. Yeon-Ji’s eyes are dark brown, lively, and observant.
37. She wears a blush-pink silk short sleeve blouse with tiny pearl buttons.
38. Her shorts are navy and high-waisted, ending three inches above the knee.
39. Platform sandals: metallic rose gold, with slightly chunky heels and delicate ankle straps.
40. Her fingernails and toenails are painted a soft pearly pink.
41. Jewelry:
1. Simple platinum wedding ring
2. Pearl stud earrings
3. Delicate silver chain necklace with tiny jade pendant
4. Rose gold charm bracelet
5. Slim silver anklet
6. Emerald-green brooch pinned to blouse
7. Diamond nose stud
42. Next is Mi-Young Kim.
43. Mi-Young is 49, born September 22nd, 1974, a few months older than Elaine.
44. She measures 4 feet 11 inches, weighing 106 pounds.
45. Her hair is jet black, cut in a sleek, chin-length bob.
46. Eyes are deep-set, a rich mahogany brown.
47. She wears a lemon-yellow linen blouse, short-sleeved with mother-of-pearl buttons down the front.
48. Her skirt matches her blouse, pleated and ending mid-thigh.
49. Platform sandals: white leather straps with chunky cork soles.
50. Nails: a striking tangerine orange to match her toenails.
51. Jewelry:
1. Thick gold wedding band
2. Gold hoop earrings
3. Multicolored beaded necklace
4. Gold charm bracelet with four little hearts
5. Gold anklet with floral charms
6. Ruby ring
7. Silver hairpin held in bob
52. Third is Ji-Eun Choi.
53. Ji-Eun is 50, born January 16th, 1974, slightly older than Elaine.
54. She stands at 4 feet 10 inches and weighs 101 pounds.
55. Hair: deep brown, pixie cut with feathered layers.
56. Eyes: black with sharp lashes.
57. Blouse: mint-green chiffon, scalloped collar and short puff sleeves.
58. Shorts: fitted white denim, rolled at the hem, high-rise.
59. Platform sandals: elegant mint thong style, with chunky white soles.
60. Nails: turquoise with tiny white flower patterns on ring fingers and pinky toes.
61. Jewelry:
1. White gold wedding ring
2. Turquoise and silver earrings
3. Silver choker with dangling gemstone
4. Thin platinum bracelet
5. Turquoise toe ring
6. Diamond tennis bracelet
7. Topaz hair clip
62. Fourth is Soo-Min Lee.
63. Soo-Min is 47, born November 20th, 1976, two years younger than Elaine.
64. Height: 4 feet 11 inches.
65. Weight: 108 pounds.
66. Hair: blue-black, styled in a sleek chin-length bob with straight fringe.
67. Eyes: lighter brown, almond-shaped.
68. Blouse: ivory cotton with black polka dots, cap sleeves and a bow detail at the breast pocket.
69. Skirt: black pleather miniskirt with a zipper at the front.
70. Platform sandals: shiny patent black with gold buckles.
71. Nails: glossy plum purple.
72. Jewelry:
1. Yellow gold wedding ring
2. Black gemstone studs
3. Onyx pendant necklace
4. Platinum band on right hand
5. Gold chain anklet
6. Opal ring
7. Sapphire-and-gold brooch
73. Fifth is Hana Jung.
74. Hana is 49, born December 3rd, 1974, three years younger than Elaine.
75. Height: 4 feet 9 inches
76. Weight: 100 pounds
77. Hair: dyed honey blonde, tightly curled bob falling just below her ears.
78. Eyes: warm hazel
79. Blouse: vivid coral with scalloped hem and cap sleeves.
80. Shorts: pale blue denim cutoffs with lace trim
81. Shoes: white platform sandals with pastel straps
82. Nails: coral to match her blouse
83. Jewelry:
1. Silver wedding ring
2. Coral bead earrings
3. Beaded bracelet, coral and rose quartz
4. Double-strand pearl necklace
5. Coral anklet
6. Diamond brooch
7. Rose quartz hair pin
84. Yeon-Ji is sweeping the light gray tiled floor, moving strands of hair into a neat pile.
85. Mi-Young and Ji-Eun are tending to two customers in matching black salon chairs.
86. Soo-Min is cleaning mirrors, spraying mist over each pane, then buffing with a fresh cloth.
87. Hana is near the receptionist desk, phone pressed to her ear.
88. Hana’s voice cuts through the buzz of conversation:
89. “Ah, hallo? Yoo wan app-entment? Yess, tomolo three po-em? Okie, I re-cord you name pliss…”
90. The other four stylists are chattering in rapid Korean.
91. “오늘 저녁에 뭐 할 거예요?”
92. “내일은 쇼핑 갔다 오고 싶어.”
93. “이 아이 진짜 귀여워 보이네.”
94. “다음 손님 준비 끝났어요.”
95. Oliver walks in, guided by Scarlett and Elaine, greeted by the sweet-smelling air and lively atmosphere.
96. Outside, three Somali Muslim women pass by the window, chatting as they walk.
97. The first is Fadumo Warsame.
98. Fadumo is 34, born February 23rd, 1990.
99. She stands 5 feet 5 inches, and weighs 132 pounds.
100. Her skin is rich umber brown and she has round, gentle brown eyes.
101. Her hair is deep black, worn in cornrows under her hijab.
102. Hijab: light lilac, trimmed with white lace.
103. Gown: lavender abaya with embroidered silver flowers on the cuffs and hem.
104. Sandals: white leather, flat with a silver buckle.
105. Her nails are painted silver.
106. Jewelry:
1. Slim silver wedding band
2. Silver hoops peeking from under her hijab
3. Long silver chain with oval pendant
4. Silver beads threaded on her gown’s tie
5. Simple silver anklet
107. Her purse is a pale purple crossbody with a silver chain strap.
108. Next is Sahra Abdi.
109. Sahra is 37, born July 4th, 1987.
110. She measures 5 feet 3 inches, and weighs 125 pounds.
111. Her skin is darker brown, with keen black almond eyes.
112. Hair: charcoal black, tightly braided beneath her hijab.
113. Hijab: deep teal, patterned with gold stitching.
114. Gown: sky-blue with gold brocade borders.
115. Sandals: gold, with a small heel and dark blue straps.
116. Nails: metallic emerald green.
117. Jewelry:
1. Gold wedding ring
2. Gold hoops
3. Gold brooch at her shoulder
4. Gold filigree bracelet
5. Gold anklet
118. Purse: teal leather with a gold zipper.
119. The third is Maryan Yusuf.
120. Maryan is 35, born December 10th, 1988.
121. Height: 5 feet 6 inches
122. Weight: 138 pounds
123. Skin: rich brown, eyes are hazel and drowsy.
124. Hair: thick and black, braided in a crown beneath hijab.
125. Hijab: mint green, fringed with small golden beads.
126. Gown: deep green, shimmer finish and wide belt.
127. Sandals: green velvet with golden leaf appliqués.
128. Nails: matching mint green.
129. Jewelry:
1. Green glass ring
2. Pearl earrings
3. Gold-plated chain necklace
4. Gold bead bracelet
5. Gold toe ring
130. Purse: pale green crescent bag with gold hardware.
131. The Somali women speak animatedly in Somalian:
132. “Ma rabtaa inaad tima goosato?”
133. “Maanta aad bay u kulul tahay magaalada.”
134. “Fiiri, wiilkii yar ee cadaan ka ah waxa uu ku jiraa dukaanka timaha.”
135. “Hooyadii iyo ayeeyadii waxay u eg yihiin kuwo nabad ah.”
136. “Maxaad rabtaa inaad qadada ka cunto?”
137. Each holds a purse gracefully; their jewelry shimmers in sunlight.
138. Inside, Oliver is guided to a nearby unoccupied chair.
139. Ji-Eun notices him, finishes up with an adult’s haircut.
140. She motions gently, smiling wide and beckoning Oliver over.
141. “Halloh, li-tell bo-yee, com sit down here pees.”
142. Oliver shuffles over, climbing into the styling chair.
143. Ji-Eun begins speaking softly, “Yoo wan hair-cut yes? Whad kind yuu like?”
144. Oliver hesitates. “Uhh. Shot. Dino hair like. Pwease.”
145. Ji-Eun laughs and gently covers him with a quilted salon cape.
146. The gentle hum of scissors and faint snip fills the air.
147. Oliver gazes at the swirling patterns of fabric, his eyes grow heavy.
148. The weight of the atmosphere seems to thicken; the seat is oddly soft and warm.
149. Oliver’s eyelids droop as he feels a spinning inside his chest.
150. He falls asleep, drifting into a strange, floating sensation.
151. Suddenly, Oliver jolts upright in confusion.
152. But he finds himself not in the chair—he is standing beside it, transparent like a soap bubble.
153. He looks down; through himself, he sees his own body slumped, still having hair trimmed.
154. Oliver waves his hand; it flickers through the air.
155. Nobody seems to notice his ghostly presence.
156. He observes the five Korean stylists:
157. Ji-Eun snipping at his real hair, holding silver scissors and a wide-toothed black comb.
158. Mi-Young tending to a woman with silver-dyed hair.
159. Soo-Min polishing the largest salon mirror with expanding circles of cloth.
160. Yeon-Ji sweeping in steady swipes, eyeing her pile of hair clippings.
161. Hana sitting behind the desk, phone held close, Korean video flickering on her mobile’s screen.
162. Ji-Eun is talking to Soo-Min in Korean:
163. “이 아이 두상이 예쁘게 잘라야 할 것 같아요.”
164. Soo-Min replies: “네, 앞머리 조금 더 짧게 해주세요.”
165. Mi-Young chimes in: “손님 다음 순서예요?”
166. Yeon-Ji stirs her pile: “네, 곧 마칠 거예요.”
167. Oliver wonders about moving outside.
168. He glides through the door, barely registering it passing.
169. The three Somali Muslim women are walking past, their colors bright against the monotone plaza.
170. Oliver drifts closer, curious about their bright hijabs and lively conversation.
171. As he nears any of them, an icy draft blasts around him, shivering his transparent form.
172. Fadumo pauses conversation, glancing sidelong as if sensing a chill.
173. Oliver hovers near her, cold intensifying.
174. He moves between the three women, constantly feeling the pulling bracing cold.
175. Then, he glides back inside, approaching Ji-Eun, who is cutting his body’s hair.
176. Ji-Eun holds silver shears and a wide black comb, mid-sentence with her friends:
177. “조금만 더 다듬으면 끝날 것 같아요.”
178. Oliver circles her, fascinated as she moves with fluid grace.
179. He floats past Mi-Young styling a customer, Soo-Min still cleaning, Yeon-Ji sweeping, Hana video-watching.
180. A Korean kids’ show hums from Hana’s phone.
181. Oliver decides to glide out again, near the Muslim women.
182. As he does, the freezing sensation becomes nearly overwhelming; he tries to float in their footsteps.
183. Suddenly, he lines his ghostly form with Maryan’s—only to find himself tripping as she steps forward.
184. The cold surges, wrapping around him like heavy silk.
185. He feels himself yanked downward, sensation of thick fabric folding over his ghostly self.
186. Oliver blanks out as if sinking in icy water, then abruptly wakes with a gasp.
187. He’s sitting, upright, not in a salon chair but outside, on the plaza bench near the Somali women.
188. His whole body feels constricted—wrapped and heavier.
189. He looks down: his skin is now a rich brown, hands decorated with mint nail polish, fabric pooling in his lap.
190. His feet, slightly larger, are wrapped in green velvet sandals with golden leaf shapes.
191. His nails: pale mint, sparkling under sunlight match the color on his toes.
192. Oliver clutches a pale green crescent bag, breath trembling.
193. He glances to the shop window, studies the reflection.
194. It takes a moment: the figure is not Oliver, but Maryan Yusuf, the third Somali woman.
195. He contorts his face, makes silly faces; the reflection perfectly matches every movement.
196. He squints, purses lips, then grins wide—every twitch mirrored.
197. Oliver is in full control, his mind not clouded, only frightened and confused.
198. He stands, observing the gown—deep green shimmer, wide belt cinching the waist.
199. The fabric is thick, cool against his skin, draping from shoulders to ankles.
200. He feels the pull of the hijab—mint green, fringed with gold beads, hugging his scalp.
201. Looking at the jewelry, he notes:
1. Green glass ring
2. Pearl earrings
3. Gold-plated chain necklace
4. Gold bead bracelet
5. Gold toe ring
202. He bends down, pinching each golden leaf on sandals, noting the pale green nail polish on fingers and toes.
203. Oliver flexes his feet in the sandals, lifting each one gently, trembling back down.
204. He touches the toe ring, gagging at the unfamiliar sensation.
205. He rubs his fingertips together, the smooth glassy feel of painted nails foreign.
206. He tries to speak, his voice now higher, with strange inflection: “Hallohh...I no like this.”
207. Sahra gives him a sharp look, slender brow furrowing.
208. She says something in Somalian, unfriendly:
209. “Maxaad samaynaysaa? Ma dooneyno ciyaar?”
210. Oliver recoils, nervous, swallowing.
211. Maryan (now Oliver) glances down at his purse, squeezing it for comfort.
212. He feels the weight of the jewelry, the odd sensation of the necklace pulling against the skin.
213. He watches Fadumo and Sahra continue their conversation in Somalian:
214. “Waxad u eg tahay mid aan fiicneyn maanta.”
215. “Maryan, waad iska gashay.”
216. He stands, clutching at the hem of his gown, trying to steady his unaccustomed posture.
217. He turns to look back at the salon, the sunlight memory of his previous self haunting the glass.
218. Elaine and Scarlett peer out from inside, searching for him.
219. Oliver stumbles slightly, the sandals awkward beneath his unfamiliar feet.
220. He tries to remember being Oliver, the soft blue sneakers, small dinosaur shirt.
221. His heart thuds as he realizes he cannot find his way back to his old body.
222. Ji-Eun, inside the salon, tilts her head, confused by the abrupt silence.
223. Hana hangs up the phone, murmuring to herself in broken English.
224. The Korean stylists glance outside, puzzling at Maryan’s odd behavior.
225. Maryan (Oliver) feels compelled to sit, quickly folding legs below the gown.
226. The Somali women resume their conversation:
227. “Ma rabtaa inaad cunto wax?”
228. “Maryan ma fiicna maanta.”
229. Oliver, panicked, tries to explain: “I...I not Maryan.”
230. The women glance at him, exchanging concerned glances.
231. Fadumo leans in, speaks slowly in Somalian, her tone gentle.
232. “Waxaad u muuqataa mid welwel badan.”
233. Oliver decides to close his eyes, willing everything to return to normal.
234. Deep within the unfamiliar body, his mind shivers with confusion.
235. When he opens his eyes again, the world remains the same—he is Maryan, surrounded by the Somali women, the salon distant and unreachable.
236. He hugs the mint green hijab, the heavy gown, fighting tears.
237. The sunlight falls warm, jewelry glinting, sandals clacking on concrete.
238. Oliver breathes in, sensing that somehow, for reasons unknown, his new reality has arrived.
239. The plaza bustles quietly, life flowing on.
240. And Oliver remains seated, a boy lost in the body of another, waiting for someone, or something, to find him.
This story was generated by user manemansteve2 with assistance by one of OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model; prompts used to help generate the story are shown below.
Images were generated with OpenAI's AI system, DALL·E 2, or uploaded by the user.
AI Prompts
Prompt: A long and thorough and detailed 240 sentences story starting from right here at the beginning in a formatted list of 1 to 240 about a boy with a detailed description of the boy's name, age, birthday, birth year being 2020, height, weight, hair color and style and eye color and race being white. Include his mom's name, age being 22, birthday, birth year, height, weight, hair color and style and eye color. Include his grandma's name, age, birthday, birth year, height, weight, hair color and style and eye color. Have him be dropped off at a hair salon by his mom and grandma and have him walk in. Have there be 5 Korean women working and include their names, ages with 3 being slightly older than the boy's grandma by a few months or few years and 2 being slightly younger by a 1-3 years, birthdays, birth years, heights all being short, weights, hair colors and styles being pixie cuts and bob cuts, and eye colors. Have them all be wearing short sleeve blouses and shorts and short skirts with and platform sandals with detailed descriptions of the blouses and shorts and short skirts and platform sandals and have them all have painted nails and include the colors all matching their fingernails and have them all be wearing 7 pieces of jewelry in a formatted list of 1 to 35 wedding rings included with each list of 5 pieces of jewelry to each person labelled in order specifically. Have one be sweeping and have 2 be tending to customers and have one be cleaning the mirrors and have one be on the phone. Have the one on the phone be talking and have it be in quoted text in broken English spelling words wrong setting up an appointment. Have the other 4 be talking to each other and have it all be in quoted text in Korean not translated. Have there be 3 Muslim women walking outside and have them all be of Somalian heritage and include their names, ages, birthdays, birth years, heights, weights, hair colors and styles and eye colors and have them all be wearing hijabs and gowns and sandals with detailed descriptions of their outfits and have them all be wearing 5 pieces of jewelry in a formatted list of 1 to 5 for each woman and include them all having a conversation and have it all be in quoted text in Somalian. Have them all have purses too. Have the boy be sitting in a nearby chair and have one of them walk up and motion him over and begin a conversation with him and have it be in quoted text in broken English spelling words wrong. Have him say what he wanted and have it be in quoted text not knowing many words. Have her put the quilt over him and begin. Have the boy fall asleep in the chair feeling strange. Have him get up from the chair only to look down and see his body still in the chair getting a haircut. Have him look down to see he was now see through. Have him observe the 5 Korean women, the one cutting his hair, the one tending to another person's hair, the one wiping the mirrors, the one sweeping and the one sitting at the desk on her phone which had a Korean video playing. Have him decide to go outside to the 3 Muslim women. Have him feel a cold draft every time he got near one of the women. Have him approach the one cutting his hair and include what she was holding to cut his hair and have her be in the middle of talking to her friends in Korean and have it be in quoted text. Have the boy move over to the Muslim women. Have the boy be in front of one of them when tripped despite being see through lining his body up with hers perfectly. Have him feel a pulling sensation and then have him open his eyes realizing he felt like he was wearing a much thicker outfit all over and in the same spot he just was when he was see through just before he tripped. Have him look down at himself in confusion and that's when he realized he was slightly taller and felt strange and have him only now realize he was sitting and holding a and have him look down at himself frightened at what he saw and have him simply look in the window reflection right next to him. Have him study his new reflection and test whether or not it was his reflection and have him make faces. Have him be in full control. Have him study what he is now wearing very long and drawn out and detailed. Have him struggle to walk due to the stress. Have him move his feet in the sandals and have him lift each one off the ground and back down. Have him bend down to touch them and his feet gagging as he could see the nail polish he now had on his fingers and toes. Have him try to talk not liking his new voice with it being in broken English. Have one of the other women give him a dirty look and say something in Somalian and have it be in quoted text. Continue the story from here starting from the beginning.
Response: Certainly! Here is the story in the requested numbered format, with detailed character descriptions, dialogues, outfits, jewelry lists, and an unfolding supernatural experience, as specified. --- 1. The story begins in a sleepy suburban town on a bright, mild June morning. 2. In a compact gray sedan, a boy named Oliver sits buckled up in the back seat. 3. Oliver is almost four years old, born on April 11th, 2020. 4. His height is 3 feet 7 inches. 5. He weighs 40 pounds. 6. Oliver is white, with porcelain skin carrying a healthy warmth. 7. His hair is chestnut brown, cut short on the sides with a tousled mop above. 8. His eyes are wide, a gentle blue, often filled with innocent curiosity. 9. Today, Oliver wears denim shorts, a dinosaur t-shirt, and small blue sneakers with two Velcro straps. 10. His mother, Scarlett, sits in the driver’s seat. 11. Scarlett is 22 years old, born on October 7th, 2001. 12. She is petite, standing at 5 feet 2 inches. 13. Her weight is 112 pounds. 14. Her hair is medium blonde, straight, and worn in a shoulder-length bob with side bangs. 15. Scarlett’s eyes are pale green, soft and gentle. 16. She wears a peach cotton sundress and tan sandals. 17. In the passenger seat sits Oliver’s grandma, Elaine. 18. Elaine is 48 years old, born on May 15th, 1976. 19. She’s 5 feet 0 inches tall. 20. Her weight is 140 pounds. 21. Her hair is silver-gray, curled tightly and pinned back with a pearl barrette. 22. Elaine’s eyes are a light blue, rimmed with laugh lines. 23. She is dressed in pale blue linen trousers and a white floral blouse, simple tan flats completing her look. 24. Scarlett glances back at Oliver, smiling reassuringly. 25. “You ready for your big haircut, buddy?” she asks. 26. Oliver nods, clutching a small plush triceratops. 27. Elaine leans over, pats his shoulder warmly. 28. The salon is a glass-fronted spot in a nearby plaza, above the door: “Seoul Salon and Spa.” 29. The three step out; Scarlett helps Oliver from the car. 30. They walk inside, fragrant with floral shampoo and a hum of quiet voices. 31. Inside: five Korean women work, bringing energy to the neat space. 32. The first stylist is Mrs. Yeon-Ji Park. 33. Yeon-Ji is 50, born March 8th, 1974, just slightly older than Elaine. 34. She is 4 feet 10 inches, weighing 102 pounds. 35. Her hair is coal black, cropped in a sharp pixie cut with short sideburns. 36. Yeon-Ji’s eyes are dark brown, lively, and observant. 37. She wears a blush-pink silk short sleeve blouse with tiny pearl buttons. 38. Her shorts are navy and high-waisted, ending three inches above the knee. 39. Platform sandals: metallic rose gold, with slightly chunky heels and delicate ankle straps. 40. Her fingernails and toenails are painted a soft pearly pink. 41. Jewelry: 1. Simple platinum wedding ring 2. Pearl stud earrings 3. Delicate silver chain necklace with tiny jade pendant 4. Rose gold charm bracelet 5. Slim silver anklet 6. Emerald-green brooch pinned to blouse 7. Diamond nose stud 42. Next is Mi-Young Kim. 43. Mi-Young is 49, born September 22nd, 1974, a few months older than Elaine. 44. She measures 4 feet 11 inches, weighing 106 pounds. 45. Her hair is jet black, cut in a sleek, chin-length bob. 46. Eyes are deep-set, a rich mahogany brown. 47. She wears a lemon-yellow linen blouse, short-sleeved with mother-of-pearl buttons down the front. 48. Her skirt matches her blouse, pleated and ending mid-thigh. 49. Platform sandals: white leather straps with chunky cork soles. 50. Nails: a striking tangerine orange to match her toenails. 51. Jewelry: 1. Thick gold wedding band 2. Gold hoop earrings 3. Multicolored beaded necklace 4. Gold charm bracelet with four little hearts 5. Gold anklet with floral charms 6. Ruby ring 7. Silver hairpin held in bob 52. Third is Ji-Eun Choi. 53. Ji-Eun is 50, born January 16th, 1974, slightly older than Elaine. 54. She stands at 4 feet 10 inches and weighs 101 pounds. 55. Hair: deep brown, pixie cut with feathered layers. 56. Eyes: black with sharp lashes. 57. Blouse: mint-green chiffon, scalloped collar and short puff sleeves. 58. Shorts: fitted white denim, rolled at the hem, high-rise. 59. Platform sandals: elegant mint thong style, with chunky white soles. 60. Nails: turquoise with tiny white flower patterns on ring fingers and pinky toes. 61. Jewelry: 1. White gold wedding ring 2. Turquoise and silver earrings 3. Silver choker with dangling gemstone 4. Thin platinum bracelet 5. Turquoise toe ring 6. Diamond tennis bracelet 7. Topaz hair clip 62. Fourth is Soo-Min Lee. 63. Soo-Min is 47, born November 20th, 1976, two years younger than Elaine. 64. Height: 4 feet 11 inches. 65. Weight: 108 pounds. 66. Hair: blue-black, styled in a sleek chin-length bob with straight fringe. 67. Eyes: lighter brown, almond-shaped. 68. Blouse: ivory cotton with black polka dots, cap sleeves and a bow detail at the breast pocket. 69. Skirt: black pleather miniskirt with a zipper at the front. 70. Platform sandals: shiny patent black with gold buckles. 71. Nails: glossy plum purple. 72. Jewelry: 1. Yellow gold wedding ring 2. Black gemstone studs 3. Onyx pendant necklace 4. Platinum band on right hand 5. Gold chain anklet 6. Opal ring 7. Sapphire-and-gold brooch 73. Fifth is Hana Jung. 74. Hana is 49, born December 3rd, 1974, three years younger than Elaine. 75. Height: 4 feet 9 inches 76. Weight: 100 pounds 77. Hair: dyed honey blonde, tightly curled bob falling just below her ears. 78. Eyes: warm hazel 79. Blouse: vivid coral with scalloped hem and cap sleeves. 80. Shorts: pale blue denim cutoffs with lace trim 81. Shoes: white platform sandals with pastel straps 82. Nails: coral to match her blouse 83. Jewelry: 1. Silver wedding ring 2. Coral bead earrings 3. Beaded bracelet, coral and rose quartz 4. Double-strand pearl necklace 5. Coral anklet 6. Diamond brooch 7. Rose quartz hair pin 84. Yeon-Ji is sweeping the light gray tiled floor, moving strands of hair into a neat pile. 85. Mi-Young and Ji-Eun are tending to two customers in matching black salon chairs. 86. Soo-Min is cleaning mirrors, spraying mist over each pane, then buffing with a fresh cloth. 87. Hana is near the receptionist desk, phone pressed to her ear. 88. Hana’s voice cuts through the buzz of conversation: 89. “Ah, hallo? Yoo wan app-entment? Yess, tomolo three po-em? Okie, I re-cord you name pliss…” 90. The other four stylists are chattering in rapid Korean. 91. “오늘 저녁에 뭐 할 거예요?” 92. “내일은 쇼핑 갔다 오고 싶어.” 93. “이 아이 진짜 귀여워 보이네.” 94. “다음 손님 준비 끝났어요.” 95. Oliver walks in, guided by Scarlett and Elaine, greeted by the sweet-smelling air and lively atmosphere. 96. Outside, three Somali Muslim women pass by the window, chatting as they walk. 97. The first is Fadumo Warsame. 98. Fadumo is 34, born February 23rd, 1990. 99. She stands 5 feet 5 inches, and weighs 132 pounds. 100. Her skin is rich umber brown and she has round, gentle brown eyes. 101. Her hair is deep black, worn in cornrows under her hijab. 102. Hijab: light lilac, trimmed with white lace. 103. Gown: lavender abaya with embroidered silver flowers on the cuffs and hem. 104. Sandals: white leather, flat with a silver buckle. 105. Her nails are painted silver. 106. Jewelry: 1. Slim silver wedding band 2. Silver hoops peeking from under her hijab 3. Long silver chain with oval pendant 4. Silver beads threaded on her gown’s tie 5. Simple silver anklet 107. Her purse is a pale purple crossbody with a silver chain strap. 108. Next is Sahra Abdi. 109. Sahra is 37, born July 4th, 1987. 110. She measures 5 feet 3 inches, and weighs 125 pounds. 111. Her skin is darker brown, with keen black almond eyes. 112. Hair: charcoal black, tightly braided beneath her hijab. 113. Hijab: deep teal, patterned with gold stitching. 114. Gown: sky-blue with gold brocade borders. 115. Sandals: gold, with a small heel and dark blue straps. 116. Nails: metallic emerald green. 117. Jewelry: 1. Gold wedding ring 2. Gold hoops 3. Gold brooch at her shoulder 4. Gold filigree bracelet 5. Gold anklet 118. Purse: teal leather with a gold zipper. 119. The third is Maryan Yusuf. 120. Maryan is 35, born December 10th, 1988. 121. Height: 5 feet 6 inches 122. Weight: 138 pounds 123. Skin: rich brown, eyes are hazel and drowsy. 124. Hair: thick and black, braided in a crown beneath hijab. 125. Hijab: mint green, fringed with small golden beads. 126. Gown: deep green, shimmer finish and wide belt. 127. Sandals: green velvet with golden leaf appliqués. 128. Nails: matching mint green. 129. Jewelry: 1. Green glass ring 2. Pearl earrings 3. Gold-plated chain necklace 4. Gold bead bracelet 5. Gold toe ring 130. Purse: pale green crescent bag with gold hardware. 131. The Somali women speak animatedly in Somalian: 132. “Ma rabtaa inaad tima goosato?” 133. “Maanta aad bay u kulul tahay magaalada.” 134. “Fiiri, wiilkii yar ee cadaan ka ah waxa uu ku jiraa dukaanka timaha.” 135. “Hooyadii iyo ayeeyadii waxay u eg yihiin kuwo nabad ah.” 136. “Maxaad rabtaa inaad qadada ka cunto?” 137. Each holds a purse gracefully; their jewelry shimmers in sunlight. 138. Inside, Oliver is guided to a nearby unoccupied chair. 139. Ji-Eun notices him, finishes up with an adult’s haircut. 140. She motions gently, smiling wide and beckoning Oliver over. 141. “Halloh, li-tell bo-yee, com sit down here pees.” 142. Oliver shuffles over, climbing into the styling chair. 143. Ji-Eun begins speaking softly, “Yoo wan hair-cut yes? Whad kind yuu like?” 144. Oliver hesitates. “Uhh. Shot. Dino hair like. Pwease.” 145. Ji-Eun laughs and gently covers him with a quilted salon cape. 146. The gentle hum of scissors and faint snip fills the air. 147. Oliver gazes at the swirling patterns of fabric, his eyes grow heavy. 148. The weight of the atmosphere seems to thicken; the seat is oddly soft and warm. 149. Oliver’s eyelids droop as he feels a spinning inside his chest. 150. He falls asleep, drifting into a strange, floating sensation. 151. Suddenly, Oliver jolts upright in confusion. 152. But he finds himself not in the chair—he is standing beside it, transparent like a soap bubble. 153. He looks down; through himself, he sees his own body slumped, still having hair trimmed. 154. Oliver waves his hand; it flickers through the air. 155. Nobody seems to notice his ghostly presence. 156. He observes the five Korean stylists: 157. Ji-Eun snipping at his real hair, holding silver scissors and a wide-toothed black comb. 158. Mi-Young tending to a woman with silver-dyed hair. 159. Soo-Min polishing the largest salon mirror with expanding circles of cloth. 160. Yeon-Ji sweeping in steady swipes, eyeing her pile of hair clippings. 161. Hana sitting behind the desk, phone held close, Korean video flickering on her mobile’s screen. 162. Ji-Eun is talking to Soo-Min in Korean: 163. “이 아이 두상이 예쁘게 잘라야 할 것 같아요.” 164. Soo-Min replies: “네, 앞머리 조금 더 짧게 해주세요.” 165. Mi-Young chimes in: “손님 다음 순서예요?” 166. Yeon-Ji stirs her pile: “네, 곧 마칠 거예요.” 167. Oliver wonders about moving outside. 168. He glides through the door, barely registering it passing. 169. The three Somali Muslim women are walking past, their colors bright against the monotone plaza. 170. Oliver drifts closer, curious about their bright hijabs and lively conversation. 171. As he nears any of them, an icy draft blasts around him, shivering his transparent form. 172. Fadumo pauses conversation, glancing sidelong as if sensing a chill. 173. Oliver hovers near her, cold intensifying. 174. He moves between the three women, constantly feeling the pulling bracing cold. 175. Then, he glides back inside, approaching Ji-Eun, who is cutting his body’s hair. 176. Ji-Eun holds silver shears and a wide black comb, mid-sentence with her friends: 177. “조금만 더 다듬으면 끝날 것 같아요.” 178. Oliver circles her, fascinated as she moves with fluid grace. 179. He floats past Mi-Young styling a customer, Soo-Min still cleaning, Yeon-Ji sweeping, Hana video-watching. 180. A Korean kids’ show hums from Hana’s phone. 181. Oliver decides to glide out again, near the Muslim women. 182. As he does, the freezing sensation becomes nearly overwhelming; he tries to float in their footsteps. 183. Suddenly, he lines his ghostly form with Maryan’s—only to find himself tripping as she steps forward. 184. The cold surges, wrapping around him like heavy silk. 185. He feels himself yanked downward, sensation of thick fabric folding over his ghostly self. 186. Oliver blanks out as if sinking in icy water, then abruptly wakes with a gasp. 187. He’s sitting, upright, not in a salon chair but outside, on the plaza bench near the Somali women. 188. His whole body feels constricted—wrapped and heavier. 189. He looks down: his skin is now a rich brown, hands decorated with mint nail polish, fabric pooling in his lap. 190. His feet, slightly larger, are wrapped in green velvet sandals with golden leaf shapes. 191. His nails: pale mint, sparkling under sunlight match the color on his toes. 192. Oliver clutches a pale green crescent bag, breath trembling. 193. He glances to the shop window, studies the reflection. 194. It takes a moment: the figure is not Oliver, but Maryan Yusuf, the third Somali woman. 195. He contorts his face, makes silly faces; the reflection perfectly matches every movement. 196. He squints, purses lips, then grins wide—every twitch mirrored. 197. Oliver is in full control, his mind not clouded, only frightened and confused. 198. He stands, observing the gown—deep green shimmer, wide belt cinching the waist. 199. The fabric is thick, cool against his skin, draping from shoulders to ankles. 200. He feels the pull of the hijab—mint green, fringed with gold beads, hugging his scalp. 201. Looking at the jewelry, he notes: 1. Green glass ring 2. Pearl earrings 3. Gold-plated chain necklace 4. Gold bead bracelet 5. Gold toe ring 202. He bends down, pinching each golden leaf on sandals, noting the pale green nail polish on fingers and toes. 203. Oliver flexes his feet in the sandals, lifting each one gently, trembling back down. 204. He touches the toe ring, gagging at the unfamiliar sensation. 205. He rubs his fingertips together, the smooth glassy feel of painted nails foreign. 206. He tries to speak, his voice now higher, with strange inflection: “Hallohh...I no like this.” 207. Sahra gives him a sharp look, slender brow furrowing. 208. She says something in Somalian, unfriendly: 209. “Maxaad samaynaysaa? Ma dooneyno ciyaar?” 210. Oliver recoils, nervous, swallowing. 211. Maryan (now Oliver) glances down at his purse, squeezing it for comfort. 212. He feels the weight of the jewelry, the odd sensation of the necklace pulling against the skin. 213. He watches Fadumo and Sahra continue their conversation in Somalian: 214. “Waxad u eg tahay mid aan fiicneyn maanta.” 215. “Maryan, waad iska gashay.” 216. He stands, clutching at the hem of his gown, trying to steady his unaccustomed posture. 217. He turns to look back at the salon, the sunlight memory of his previous self haunting the glass. 218. Elaine and Scarlett peer out from inside, searching for him. 219. Oliver stumbles slightly, the sandals awkward beneath his unfamiliar feet. 220. He tries to remember being Oliver, the soft blue sneakers, small dinosaur shirt. 221. His heart thuds as he realizes he cannot find his way back to his old body. 222. Ji-Eun, inside the salon, tilts her head, confused by the abrupt silence. 223. Hana hangs up the phone, murmuring to herself in broken English. 224. The Korean stylists glance outside, puzzling at Maryan’s odd behavior. 225. Maryan (Oliver) feels compelled to sit, quickly folding legs below the gown. 226. The Somali women resume their conversation: 227. “Ma rabtaa inaad cunto wax?” 228. “Maryan ma fiicna maanta.” 229. Oliver, panicked, tries to explain: “I...I not Maryan.” 230. The women glance at him, exchanging concerned glances. 231. Fadumo leans in, speaks slowly in Somalian, her tone gentle. 232. “Waxaad u muuqataa mid welwel badan.” 233. Oliver decides to close his eyes, willing everything to return to normal. 234. Deep within the unfamiliar body, his mind shivers with confusion. 235. When he opens his eyes again, the world remains the same—he is Maryan, surrounded by the Somali women, the salon distant and unreachable. 236. He hugs the mint green hijab, the heavy gown, fighting tears. 237. The sunlight falls warm, jewelry glinting, sandals clacking on concrete. 238. Oliver breathes in, sensing that somehow, for reasons unknown, his new reality has arrived. 239. The plaza bustles quietly, life flowing on. 240. And Oliver remains seated, a boy lost in the body of another, waiting for someone, or something, to find him.
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