“David!” the barista called. Davina looked around, but no-one else moved.
It was a hot day, and an iced caramel latte had sounded just the thing. Now she was out here, with it in her hand, she was no longer sure. The barista hadn’t said anything, and neither had anyone else, but she was sure everyone had been staring.
She checked her watch as she walked past the shops. It was 3:49. Schools had already let out, so at least she wouldn’t face hordes of teenagers.
She’d give herself until four. That was enough.
Davina looked at her watch again, as Snoopy’s hand ticked onto 3:50.
She’d been given the watch when she was little. The strap had been blue, but had worn out a long time ago. Now it was silver.
At the end of the row of shops was a park. She looked over the railings and saw mothers and children. She didn’t go in, but she sat on the bench just outside, next to a planter full of geraniums and cigarette butts.
She sipped her coffee and did her best to raise her head and watch the world. She crossed her legs and pulled the hem of her dress down over her knee.
3:54. 6 more minutes.
She was just sitting here, and no-one cared.
She felt something loosen inside, and tension leave her muscles. She was aware that she was gripping her cup, icy water running down her wrist and dripping onto her dress. She wiped at it.
This was okay. She was doing this.
She thought about her watch, about all it had gone through. Should she finally buy the pink strap she’d always wanted?
She glanced down. 4:02.
She smiled.
It was enough.
She got up and walked home, trying not to hurry.
Cally Ann Kerr is a performance poet and flash fiction writer, with many publications under her previous name. She is a transgender woman, a university lecturer, and an advocate for LGBTQAI+ rights.
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