The Passenger

by Lisa Lutz

Still, if you’re a woman sitting alone in a bar, it’s always best to look occupied, even if you’re faking it. Most men think they’re doing you a favor, keeping you company, curing you of the shame of being alone in public.

Some men would have read my body language for what it was—an indisputable DO NOT DISTURB sign. But some men can only read their internal weather report and have no concept that another human might not want the same things they want.