A. MACDONALD MURPHY SHORT STORY CONTEST

2023 First Place

Chameleon

Miffy Wang ‘24

Furciferpardalis

Perched delicately on a branch, the chameleon may easily evade your gaze. But don’t blame yourself for missing this elusive creature–– it’s likely that the chameleon prefers to remain hidden. Witharemarkableabilitytochangethe color and pattern of its skin, this creature is a true marvel of nature. In fact, chameleons serve as the quintessential example of animal camouflage in popular culture, from children's books to blockbuster movies like Rango. Yet the truth about the chameleon's color-changing abilities is far more complex and fascinating than whatweoftenassume.

Specialized cells, known as chromatophores, allow chameleons to unveil a rainbow of colors ranging from the purest black to the brightest red. However, this display is not always for the sake of blending in. In fact, a chameleon’s choiceofcolorand patternisoftenareflectionofitsmood.

For instance, when a chameleon is surrounded by familiar individuals, it displays bold and eye-catching hues. Unique colors also serve to assert dominance and attract mates. However, when threatened by predators or unfamiliar chameleons, they rapidlychangetheirappearanceto a muted and subdued tone, melting seamlesslyintotheirsurroundings.

I remember trying out every piece of clothing, floral dresses and simple sweatpants, in what was then my new home. Clothes lined the wooden tiles and a half-emptied suitcase cracked open in its midst. An hour had already passed. I plopped onto the cushioned floor still pondering. I only wanted to fit in. I didn’t want Tom or Sally to find me weird and I didn’t want Betty to avoid me. So would a dress be too striking? And would sweatpants betoocasual?I texted Betty just to confirm the pairof navy blue wide jeans and the cream college sweatshirt that laid on my undone bed. It’s just an outfit, I told myself.

The first day of school is always nerve-wracking. I got up early just to change into my pre-picked outfit. I headed out only after I double-checked my backpack,myhair, and my socks, just in case they didn't match. On the path there, I wished everyone was wearing the same thing, no matter how odd of a sight that would be. Thankfully, my chameleon scales blended perfectly into my surroundings. That meant that neither the bullies nor the popular kids could hurt me; that neither could find me. A puff of relief escaped my mouth, but myeyesraisedstillwithhighalert.

As I look at my many first impressions, I begin to understand the chameleon more clearly. Beneath its malleable exterior,thechameleonhasa surprisingly rigid complexiondesigned for defense. It has a bony triceratops-like shield at the backofits head and, along its spine and underbelly, a series of sharp spikes. While the chameleon is not built to fight, its pseudo-armored appearance ward off attacks and helpsittosurvive in its environment. Moreover, with their deliberate, slow movements and inconspicuous colors, chameleons maybecomeinvisibletothenakedeye, making it difficult for predators to identifyandattackthem.

I hadn't noticed how developedmycamouflagehadbecome. A week from the start of summer break, I was attending a student exploration program inIceland.Istood by the airport gate waiting for the rest to arrive because, as always, I had arrived early, too afraid to be left behind. I leaned over the metal railing and waited patiently for someone, anyone,whowasn’tAmerican.

Soon I figured that I was the only one, the only non-American, or rather Asian, in the group. They spoke a familiar language I still could not understand. I had heard of Miami but unlike the rest, I had never been. Ihad only explored Massachusetts, for the sole purpose of school. So my head kept low, maybe if I didn’t move they wouldn’t notice me. Nonetheless, I wasn’t as inconspicuous as the chameleon. “And you? Miffy, right? Whereareyoufrom?”Tracingmyeyes across the jagged edges of the table, I mumbled, “I’m from Mass.” They didn’t expect it and neither did I, but the one simple “fact” had loosenedthe straining grip of fear. For days, I performed a sort of mimicry, blending so perfectly into the crowd that you could barely make out the chameleon perchedonthebranch.

The chameleon is known for its color-changing ability, but there’s another aspect of its anatomy that’s equally impressive: its unique, long tail. This tail is a thing of beauty, curlingarounditselfinaperfectgolden ratio,mirroringaseashell.Whoknewa curl ofatailcouldbesopleasingtothe eye? Still, the chameleon’s tail is’'t just for aesthetics. As a clumsy creature, the chameleon’s limbs are adapted to ensure stability. They have specially adapted toes, curved to the branches in such an extreme manner that they are unfit to walk across flat surfaces. They also use a fifth "leg," their mobile tails, to grasp onto branches for precaution.Ultimatelythe chameleon's body has been shaped by unique challenges induced by its anxieties.

Anotherlookattheanimaland you surely would catch its large doe eyes. Scientists are fascinatedbythem, or more specifically their ability to move independentlyfromeachother.It may seem a bit creepy— one eye can be looking one way while the other is monitoring something totally different— but it comes in handy. In combination with their binocular vision, which allows them 360degrees of vision, chameleons can track and guard simultaneously, all while remaining still. With these opportunistic adaptations, Some scientists joke that they all have social anxiety.

The American seized me. My odd fusion of accents was replaced by dragged yas and peppy for reals.What was usually thoughtless became a constant effort to sustain. While everyone complimented the salmon, I stared at the dish with frustration. There’s obviously an Linthewordbut I can’t pronounce it or they’ll know. Each instance I spoke of the SA-mon, my eyes skimmed by the faces sat across the stretched counter to make sure no one bore a questioning look. I was safe. Every movement, every word, and every look was dictated by thefearthatwasstranglingme.

In a space where predatorsare absent, the nanocrystals in a chameleon’s shift to reveal anewcoat. Imagine the brilliant reds of a maple leaf, the deep, dark hues of a summer sunset, and the bright yellow of a sunflower bloom. The chameleon paints the dull brown canvas of their skin. These canvases are mounted in galleries for fellow chameleons to observe. The colors shimmer across their scales like a kaleidoscope, constantly shifting. Finally, the chameleonsarefreefromtheirfear.

Suffocating, I tore off the strangling grip to reveal the complex and bright patterns of my skin. Rather than the predators I imagined, my fellow chameleons embraced me and my colors. Now, you can easily spot the chameleon perched ruby red and glimmeringgreen.

Suchislife.