Illustration Copyright © 2015 by Marlo Hunte.

SMELL LEAKED OFF OF HER like disease.  Those who sat close by held their bodies away, unconsciously taking shallow breaths, consciously wishing that she would soon leave.  Young mothers shifted in their seats, momentarily aware that the flesh just above the waistline of their jeans rested on plastic backs that seemed designed to hold onto sickness and anxiety.  It would not do, though, to move away from this spot.  Only to lose your place?  Better to ignore the smell and quietly rising indignation and resettle into the wait.