Girl jumps. First time.
Boy pings her bra. A compliment.
Girl flushes.
Boy kisses Girl.
“No.”
“Frigid bitch.”
“Yes.”
“Slag.”
The anger buds.
“Smile.” Lost count how many times.
Woman grimaces.
Man presses too close.
Man brushes her thigh.
In the club. On the tube. At the water cooler.
“Smile, love. Pet. Darling.”
Teach your daughters:
Stay together.
Avoid the dark.
Don’t talk.
Keep car doors locked.
Don’t wear short skirts. Tight tops. Matching underwear.
Don’t smile.
Asking for it.
Fair game.
“Smile.”
Woman pushes the anger down. For now.
One day she won’t.