In the afternoon, as the bell rang, the students of Melissa’s high school poured out of the gates with a desperation that made it look like they were fleeing a disaster. Melissa, Jenny, and Pamela walked more civilly, though the heat was beginning to take its toll.
“Those people who run from school will regret it when it’s time to find a job,” Melissa said, watching a group of boys dash past.
“Don’t worry, dear,” Pamela replied, her tone airy and dismissive. “As women, we don’t have to stress about that. We only study enough to not be illiterate, the boys are the ones who have to worry about careers and labor!”
“Then explain to me why the boys are precisely the ones running the fastest away from their education?” Melissa countered defiantly.
Pamela was about to snap back with a sharp r
