In Margaret Atwood's "Stone Mattress: Nine Tales," the protagonist reaches a decision regarding his hairstyle, opting for a distinctive white stripe on the left side of his hair. Despite his internal commentary labeling this choice as "geriatric punk," he soon enhances the look with a vibrant scarlet patch, creating a striking and unconventional appearance.

This combination results in a humorous visual description, likening him to a startled skunk illuminated by bright lights, suggesting the quirky nature of his self-expression and perhaps a critique of societal norms surrounding aging and individuality.