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The three of us exited the café and joined the slow-motion evacuation already underway as women walked toward the outskirts of town, shooting frequent glances up at the flocks of guys rocketing over us, the men trying to outdo one another, the cacophony at times deafening, as some laughed and commanded us to “Smile, baby!” I heard one lady wistfully proclaim to her friend, “I’m so glad we’re not up there.” We women ambled along the sidewalks. With each step, more females joined us as we vacated apartment buildings and grocery stores, some even abandoned their cars along the road, motors still running, doors open, swinging in the breeze. Our numbers swelled as we spilled onto the streets and paraded away. We were a deliberate herd with no true end-destination, no one elbowing or pushing, no one striving or angling for perfection or attention.

FICTION | 11


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