When I was 16, I was dying to get my belly button pierced.  After several pleading sessions with my parents, they finally took me to do it.  It’s been almost nine years.  For the last couple, I’ve been thinking about taking it out.  I don’t really run around in a swimsuit on Spring Break anymore.  I hadn’t even changed the ring in who knows how many years.  It’s been at least 4.  The same one just stays there, getting taken out every once in a while to be cleaned. 

Today I took it out.  Like I said, I’ve thought about taking it out.  But then I always think to myself- What if I want it again later?  It isn’t hurting anything right now so I might as well keep it.  I guess today I came to the realization that I have given up on having cute belly button worthy abs.  And even if I do magically wake up with abs one day, I don’t think I’ll be sad that they aren’t adorned with some colored ball.  And I don’t have to worry about clothes catching on it.  And now if I wear something tight, there won’t be a little ball on my stomach.

Now I just have a hole.