An Empress in relaxed sweatpants and sleek sneakers waits at the bus stop, unaware of the two snails resting just behind her heel — almost as if they stand at the mercy of her next step. She draws her foot back once, missing them. But when she shifts again, her sneaker comes down directly over one. It has no chance. Crushed instantly, reduced to a faint mark beneath her sole. She notices — and her gaze lingers on the second. This time, she steps deliberately. Another effortless press. When she’s done, only two flattened traces remain on the ground. The bus arrives, and she walks away without looking back.