Seated at the bus stop in loose layers and soft UGG boots, an Empress waits while the snail rest near her feet. She rises abruptly from time to time to check for the bus, her movements quick — the snails narrowly escaping beneath her soles, but only for a while. Eventually, as she stands scanning the road, her heel settles directly over one. A single, natural shift — and it’s crushed completely beneath her boot. She doesn’t even notice, remaining focused ahead. Moments later, she leaves as if nothing ever happened.