Stories by Gwen

I've decided to allow you to attend your company party. I am escorting you. We'll put on evening dresses to mingle with the corporate executives and important clients. I'm wearing a little cocktail dress. You're wearing a black halter dress and a delicate collar that discreetly symbolizes that you belong to me. And heels, of course. The party is being held high above the city. The room is beautiful in a spare, modern way. There's a bar in the middle, and all around the edges are floor-to-ceiling windows. You can stand and look down at cars navigating the nighttime streets far below. We look at out the moon and it seems almost close enough to touch. You see your co-workers in a new light, dressed up as they never dress for work, all in their fanciest and prettiest clothes. Suits and ties, cocktail dresses, gowns. The executives and their young trophy wives cluster together drinking scotch. We sip wine as we walk slowly through the room, intent in conversation. After ...

It's the hottest day of summer and I feel as if I've been walking forever. The sundress I'm wearing lets the hot breeze bake my skin and offers little cover from the burning sun. The sidewalk bakes and shimmers in the heat. My feet burn through the thin soles of my strappy sandals. *I can't take any more of this,* I think. *I've got to take cover.* Cars pass along the busy street, the drivers slowing down to take a look at me. A half-block ahead I see a small sign hanging from a pole over the sidewalk: "Air Conditioned." As I get closer, I see that the letters are drawn to resemble little blocks of ice. Rescue! I arrive at the sign and find a glass booth. I've come to a movie theater. Perfect...I can escape from the heat in the cool dark, maybe even take a nap. I can stay all afternoon, until the sun goes down and a breeze rises to cool the city's baking streets. I shove money into the slot and take my ticket, hurrying into the lobby. Doubl...