when she arrived at the station she was impressed with its interior architecture. smooth curves intersecting at the vaulted ceiling. sitting on the uncomfortable wooden bench, she noticed a man staring at her. she looked away, and would glance back at his direction occasionally to see if he had stopped or gone away. he did neither.

she became increasingly agitated, fixing her skirt, checking the buttons on her shirt, redoing the strap on her shoe several times. it was a paranoia of hers to be objectified. the thought of someone mentally groping her was disconcerting, and she nearly began hyperventilating. her cheeks flushed, and she began drumming nervously on the side of the bench.

the train whistle blew, people hurried past her bench. undisturbed, she remained determined to ward off this man. with a deep breath, her fists clenched, she stood up and began walking towards him with brisk steps. as she grew closers, it became obvious that the man was not a man, but rather a very realistic looking mannequin. she walked a few steps closer, slowly, her hands relaxing, her shoulders dropping, the creases in her forehead dissolving. after laughing aloud for a moment she walked back to the bench and resumed waiting.

[09/01/03]