An Empress in relaxed sweatpants and elegant loafers waits, distracted and unaware of the two snails near her feet. She shifts her stance again and again, her soles moving restlessly — yet they remain untouched, spared for a moment longer.Then, as she draws her foot back without looking, her loafer comes down fully. One snail bursts beneath her sole, collapsing instantly under the controlled weight. She feels it, briefly notices — and dismisses it just as quickly. She continues waiting, unmoved, while the shattered remains rest completely flattened beneath her immaculate loafers.