Monsieur M had read that odours were now being produced to make shoppers spend their money; warm bread piped into bakery departments, the smell of leather in car showrooms.
For a babywear store, the smell of success was C20 H24 O, the molecule that attracts the blind infant to the mother’s breast. What Monsieur M didn’t know was, this molecule was key to the marriage between his own natural odour — and his secret weapon, Musk.
His allure, his charm was built around Musk. It was discrete and natural smelling; it blended like a dream with his body odour - and made him very popular with the women.
And now, someone had changed the formula…
Now it was heavy, imposing — and above all loud; the magic no longer worked… He smelled like all the other guys that wore it.
Women no longer said ‘Ohh, you smell so good’ but ‘Hmm … you’re wearing Musk’
Monsieur M knew the game was up; if he couldn’t lead ‘em by the nose he’d be judged by a critical eye…
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Translated and loosely adapted by me from :
Musc by Percy Kemp; Editions Albin Michel, Paris, 2000
This is great.