Don’t Touch My Ankles
A Tale of Tactile Trepidation
Once upon a time, there lived an ordinary citizen with a peculiar phobia.
This fear was so specific and unusual that it remained largely hidden beneath the fabric of society's usual apprehensions. The story I am about to tell is a saga of an intense dislike towards one's ankles being touched. Yes, you read that right, the mere thought of a brush against those delicate lower appendages sent shivers down the spine. A bizarre narrative, you may think, but one which is an actual real thing inspired by an actual real thing.
Our protagonist, whom we'll affectionately dub "Anti-Ankle," wasn't always wary of contact with their ankles.
As a child, they frolicked through meadows, waded in rivers, and blissfully participated in all the ankle-exposing activities common to most childhoods. Anti-Ankle's unique aversion didn't emerge until the twilight years of adolescence, during an ill-fated game of ankle tag.
The rules were simple: avoid getting tagged on your ankles at all costs. And, it was on that fateful day that Anti-Ankle discovered their overwhelming distaste for ankle contact.
You might be wondering, how does one navigate through a world teeming with potential ankle-touching situations? Just imagine trying to buy socks or shoes. Anti-Ankle found a way, turning every shopping trip into an undercover mission. Size charts and measuring tapes became best friends, and online shopping, the ultimate saviour.
Yet, summer presented an entirely different set of challenges.
As temperatures climbed and hemlines rose, exposed ankles became the norm. Even a casual stroll down the street could transform into an unexpected ankle-touching horror show. Anti-Ankle's solution was both clever and unexpected. Enter the era of ankle guards, made from soft, flexible material that shielded the sensitive area without causing discomfort.
One could say it became the summer's unexpected fashion trend, its fame spreading beyond our protagonist's sphere, resulting in perplexed but intrigued neighbours adopting the peculiaur accessory.
Even relationships weren't immune to Anti-Ankle's odd aversion. Try explaining to your significant other that you'd love to cuddle, but, alas, your ankles are off limits. It's a conversation that could easily turn a romantic dinner into a comedy sketch. Luckily, Anti-Ankle's charm and amusing tales of ankle escapades ensured a certain level of understanding and tolerance in their relationships, but beware, this honesty can also be used against you, many a time did Anti-Ankle get into a fight with his beloved only to be viciously touched on the ankles, nasty, so nasty.
What about professional foot massages, you ask? Well, Anti-Ankle has a funny anecdote about their first (and last) visit to a foot spa.
Imagine a spa therapist's bewilderment when told, "Yes, a foot massage sounds divine, but please, oh please, avoid my ankles." Needless to say, the perplexed expression on the masseuse's face was a sight worth remembering.
By now, you're probably chuckling, even belly laughing because this piece is so amusing, wondering how a phobia so specific can dictate one's life to such an extent. But the magic of this story lies not in its absurdity, but in its capacity to remind us of our unique quirks and how they shape our existence.
After all, we are the sum of our peculiarities, our anomalies, and our idiosyncrasies.
So, the next time you find yourself judging your own or someone else's quirks, remember Anti-Ankle.
Remember their ingenuity in navigating a world fraught with potential ankle threats. And remember, the things that make us different are the very things that make us fascinating. Let's celebrate our eccentricities. After all, wouldn't life be dull without a good laugh at our ankle aversions, or whatever else it is that makes us uniquely us?
A Lovely Pair of Shoes Below Some Lovely Ankles
Why not treat yourself to a lovely pair of shoes today, just don’t let them touch your ankles.