The Book Eaters

by Sunyi Dean

“You’ve a low bar for friendship, that’s all.” “If it’s such a low bar, then how come most people can’t meet it?” She sounded bitter, even to herself.

It was always the same story, she thought tiredly. Just small, angry men, clinging to fading power. They feared living without privilege because they’d abused it against others, and were now terrified of suffering the same cruelty they’d routinely dealt out.

The same day, she bought scissors and, standing in front of the bathroom mirror, cut her braids off. The reflection staring back at her was no princess, but it was her. That gave her savage satisfaction. As if she’d shed a false skin.