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She walked into her apartment to find her roommate clad in her junior high P.E. shorts and a bikini top, hair slicked up with coloring mousse. Her roommate was hunched over a tray in the sunny window of what she knew to be dehydrating raw "bread." "What are you doing?" she inquired of her roommate. "I'm quitting smoking," was the response.
--
She went outside, walking through the crowded streets. She had done up her freshly-dyed hair and face. She wore a skirt, exposing her scarred calves, and a shirt that was quite obviously lingerie. She repeatedly tapped her right pointer finger against her left thumb and glanced around her. She smelled of body odor and lavender. A friend ran into her and asked "Hey, what are you up to?" Not making eye contact, she replied, "I'm quitting smoking..." and followed her own gaze into space.
--
She ventured into a second hand shop. First she looked to see if there were any dining room tables. Not seeing any, she examined the prices on the bike helmets. Then the prices on the stove kettles. Then the prices on the small blue and green glass bottles. On her way out she stopped by the counter to say thank you. "Have a great day. Any plans?" the shopkeeper asked. "Quitting smoking."
--
The air was hot, but not stifling. A luke warm breeze blew down the street. The trees, whose leaves rustled in the wind, presented a lingering scent of Spring. The mountains beyond the Sound stood out against the light blue sky, accenting their presence with white souvenirs from Winter. She walked through it all, trying to take it in by holding her hands down at either side and splaying her fingers. "What are you doing?" Nature asked her. "I'm turning into Outside."
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