An Empress in a denim skirt, black tights, and black boots waits at the bus stop, completely unaware of the snail resting beside her right foot. She steps slightly to the side — and her boot comes down cleanly, crushing it fully until nothing remains but a darkened trace on the ground. She notices the mark, a flicker of disgust crossing her expression. With a sharp motion of her boot, she pushes the smear forward across the pavement. Then she steadies herself again and resumes waiting for the bus, composed as ever.