AcmeShorts

Deep into the future, Brian piloted his vehicle to a stop in front of his steady's ranch home. Martha came out in a jiff. She looked terrific.
"How do I look," she said with just enough irony.
"Perfect."
"Aw, thanks."
"Perfect," Brian muttered dreamily.
"Brian? What is it?" Martha said convincingly.
"I just remembered this story we read at the academy," Brian said. "The Birthmark, by Hawthorne. Ever read him?"
"No, I don't think I have."
"It's about this scientist/inventor guy who marries a beautiful woman. He's a real perfectionist and he thinks he's found the perfect girl. They get married. Soon after, he becomes obsessed with this birthmark on her face, shaped like a hand. He wants to remove it. He works on potions and medicines for years, never getting nearer to a solution. Until one day, inspiration striked, and he decocts this fluid that'll take her stain away. She drinks it, and as the birthmark disappears from her face... she dies."
Brian, whose real name was Jeff, flew by a medium-sized constellation. The night was cool in Martha's flawless hair.
"Gee, Jeff," she said, blushing. "Is that how you think of me? Perfect? Is that what this is about?"
"Um... yeah. Yeah, of course," said Jeff, cursing himself for blowing yet another golden opportunity to bring up breast augmentation.