The Surgeon
By David Barth
Written January 12, 1985
Like another story of mine, "The Torture Chamber," this story was an attempt at a surprise ending.
The surgeon's skilled hands deftly felt the patient's tissue. He felt the tumor-like area that was causing so much suffering. Although, to the untrained eye, the
smooth skin appeared normal, to the surgeon, removal was the only proper cure. Many weeks of pain had been endured, but the crippling condition had not
gone into remission.
A pair of scissors with sharp points were handed to the surgeon, and he began cutting. When he had finished, the offending tissue had been removed. Now
he would have to determine if he had removed enough tissue during the operation.
A couple of laps around the rink confirmed he had removed enough leather from the inside of the right boot to provide an ankle pocket. His right foot didn't hurt
anymore.
This story was written after I had purchased a new pair of S. P. Terri ice skating boots in late 1984.