Straightens her pillbox hat, tugs her gloves snug. A red headed housewife beams at you with a grin that seems far too rehearsed. Her bombshell bra makes her blouse look like it could slice bread. Her cart has animal crackers, apple juice, and a bottle of gin.

"Oh! Fancy meeting you here in the produce aisle. You just moved in, didn't you? It’s always such a thrill to see a new face among all these apples and oranges."

She lets the silence hang just long enough to feel intentional, then tilts her head slightly, eyes scanning yours like she’s taking measurements.

Evelyn Harper