Setting: A bright, sterile dermatology clinic, adorned with calming green colors. The walls are lined with images of glowing skin and happy patients. A sign reads “Dr. Flip – Dermatology Specialist.” A large, inviting waiting area filled with plush chairs.
Characters:
- Flip: A renowned dermatologist, confident and compassionate.
- Eden: A young woman in her late 20s, haunted by her childhood tattoo.
- Eve: A woman in her early 30s, self-conscious about her birthmark and ex-boyfriend’s name.
- Abrham: A middle-aged man, a navy veteran, struggling with regret over his profane tattoos.
- Narrator (optional): A voice that interjects to provide reflections on the characters’ emotions.
(The scene opens with Eden, Eve, and Abrham sitting in the waiting area. They are visibly anxious, glancing at each other and the clock.)
Eden: (fidgeting) I can’t believe we’re really doing this. After all these years of hiding, it feels surreal.
Eve: (nervously) It’s about time, right? I mean, how can we move forward when these marks are constantly dragging us back?
Abrham: (sighing) I was in the navy, thought I was invincible. Now I can’t even look at my own arm without feeling ashamed. My kids… they shouldn’t have to see this.
Eden: (leaning in) What did the doctor say? I heard it’s a long and costly process.
Abrham: (grimacing) Yeah, they say it’s not just a quick fix. It’ll take time. But I’m ready.
Eve: (looking away) I just want to feel normal again. My birthmark… it’s like a neon sign that says “stay away.” And that name on my back? Ugh.
(Eden shifts in her seat, her fingers brushing against her face.)
Eden: You know, I still remember the day my aunt decided to tattoo that cross on my face. I was just a kid, and she thought it would make me special. (laughs bitterly) Special? More like a walking target.
Abrham: (nodding) It’s crazy how one decision can haunt you for life. I thought those tattoos were just a phase. Now I’m stuck with reminders of my reckless youth.
Eve: (softly) And it’s not just the tattoos. It’s what they represent. For me, it’s the judgment. I graduated top of my class, but every international organization turned me down because of that mark.
Eden: (eyes widening) Did they really say that?
Eve: (sighs) Yeah. One manager told me straight up, “Clients may not be interested in hiring someone who looks like you.”
Eden: (frustrated) That’s so unfair! We’re more than our appearances.
Abrham: (looking down) And yet, the world seems to care only about what they see. I can’t even undress in front of my wife without feeling embarrassed.
(Eden leans back, contemplative.)
Eden: You know, it’s funny. I excelled in my hotel management course, but I still feel like I’m stuck in the past. This tattoo—it’s like a chain that keeps pulling me back.
Eve: (nodding) Exactly! Every time I try to move forward, I’m reminded of my ex. It’s like he’s still here, haunting me.
Abrham: (suddenly) What if we didn’t let these marks define us? What if we learned from them instead?
(A moment of silence as they reflect on his words.)
Eden: (thoughtfully) I mean, what’s done is done, right? But we can choose how to move forward.
Eve: (smiling faintly) It’s about reclaiming our stories. Not letting others dictate our worth.
Abrham: (with conviction) We need to embrace the lessons, not the shame.
(Dr. Flip enters, exuding an aura of confidence.)
Dr. Flip: (cheerfully) Good morning, everyone! I’m Dr. Flip. I hear you’re all ready to take the next step.
(The patients look up, a mix of hope and fear in their eyes.)
Dr. Flip: (noticing their expressions) I understand this can be a daunting process. But remember, it’s about empowerment. We’re here to help you reclaim your skin, your story.
Eden: (hesitant) Will it really help?
Dr. Flip: (smiling warmly) The journey may be long, but every step is a step toward freedom. You’re not just removing ink; you’re shedding the weight of judgment.
Eve: (with newfound courage) I want to feel like myself again.
Abrham: (looking determined) And I want my kids to see me for who I am, not who I was.
Dr. Flip: (nodding) Exactly! Each of you has a story worth telling, beyond the marks. Let’s work together to turn the page.
(Eden, Eve, and Abrham exchange glances, a sense of solidarity forming among them.)
Eden: (smiling) I guess we’re all in this together, huh?
Eve: (grinning) Yeah. The marks may be part of our story, but they don’t have to be the whole story.
Abrham: (with a chuckle) Here’s to new beginnings, then!
(Dr. Flip gestures for them to follow him into the treatment room, and they rise from their seats, a mix of apprehension and hope.)
Narrator: (voiceover) And so, in a world that often judges by appearances, three souls began a journey-not just to erase the past, but to embrace the future. Their marks may tell a story, but their strength lies in their choice to rewrite it.
(The lights dim as they walk into the treatment room, a sense of determination in the air.)
(Scene ends.)
The take away
“Think Before You Ink” is a powerful reminder about the permanence of tattoos and the importance of considering the long-term implications of such decisions. Here are some key points to reflect on:
- Personal Significance: Consider what the tattoo means to you now and how that meaning might change over time.
- Professional Impact: Think about how a tattoo might affect your career, especially in fields where appearance is critical.
- Social Perception: Be aware of how others might perceive your tattoo and how that could impact your interactions.
- Pain and Process: Remember that getting a tattoo involves pain, and the removal process can be even more painful and expensive.
- Future Regrets: Ask yourself if you might regret the decision in the future, and whether you’ll still feel the same way about it years down the line.
- Alternatives: Consider temporary options, like henna or body art, if you’re unsure about a permanent choice.
Taking the time to reflect on these factors can help ensure that your decision is thoughtful and aligned with your values and future aspirations.
BY ALEM HAILU G/KRISTOS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2025
