As a child, I was often called "hitam manis". This is a term widely used that is literally translated as “sweet black” for those with dark brown skin such as mine.

However, over the past decade and a half I have developed a skin condition called Vitiligo where pigments from my skin disappear at random, leaving organic colourless spots throughout my body. Some spots have gained pigments while others continue to grow bigger, and new ones pop up as they please. I have no control over them but slowly embracing my ever evolving outer appearance.

I wonder if people still see me as that "hitam manis" girl now that I have lost some colour from my skin.