Seated at the bus stop in a skirt and black zip-side jump boots, an Empress waits, unaware of the snails resting at the edge of her soles. Distracted and composed, she pays them no attention. As the bus arrives, she rises — and one powerful boot comes down directly over an snail. It stands no chance. Crushed instantly beneath the solid winter sole. Without even looking down, she drags her boot lightly against the ground to clear it away. To her, it was nothing more than something to be wiped off and forgotten.