Word Prompt – NAILS – Shira Boshnack

My son’s wedding was coming up, and I wanted to look elegant for the Shabbos aufruf. My teenage daughter always gets acrylic nails, and I thought, “Why not?” I usually have short nails, but this time, I decided to go all out. So Thursday night, I got the acrylics. As a teacher, it was not easy navigating school with long nails – I couldn’t even use my phone! But I figured I’d manage until after the wedding. By Friday night, I was all glammed up: nails done, makeup perfect, beautiful dress. Didn’t lose weight – fine, next wedding!

Then suddenly, during the meal, my face started itching and burning. My ears were tingling. I looked in the mirror and saw a swollen face staring back. My husband gave me Benadryl, but by the next day, I looked like a horror show.

I still went to shul – it was my son’s aufruf. I kept telling people, “Yes, I know my face is swollen. I’m having an allergic reaction.” I assumed it was the makeup, but I’d used this artist before with no issue. After Shabbos, I called her, and she asked, “Did you do anything different this time?” And then it hit me – the nails. Google confirmed it: I was allergic to the acrylics. My fingers had touched my face, triggering the reaction. Sunday morning, I rushed to remove them, got steroids from the doctor, and somewhat recovered – just in time.