The narrator reflects on their injury, describing it as a vivid and lasting memory, as if the physical mark on their face still feels fresh and impactful. They use a powerful simile, comparing their perception of the injury to an eating disorder's effect on self-image, where the reflection does not match reality. This demonstrates a deep psychological wound, indicating that the injury has become more than just a physical scar.
Instead of viewing the mark as a mere blemish, they see it as a representation of their personal struggles and life choices. This perspective reveals that the injury is intertwined with their identity, serving as a reminder of their past mistakes and the pain they've endured. The phrase “a map of where my life went wrong” underscores the significance of the injury beyond the physical, highlighting how it symbolizes emotional scars and personal history.