Nerthus I gulp down the last bit of pride in my body as I walk towards the reception in my torn dress. “Good morning, ma’am.” “Good morning,” I answer, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear that must have fallen out of my ponytail. “Can I ask you to get me a taxi?” She nods, smiling politely. “Sure.” “With a female driver, if possible.” I lay my hand on the cold granite of the counter, and she nods again, this time with her eyes full of pity. What a time to be alive. “Of course, ma’am.” “Thank you so much.” As the taxi arrives it is indeed a female driver, and I get in with a smile, reciting my address. We spend the ride in silence, but I sense her looking at me through the rearview mirror from time to time. She parks in front of my block, but I freeze as I’m about to get out

