Everyone could see it for themselves, so why should it make any difference that they never talked about it? It followed her everywhere, every day, every minute: on the bus, on the trolley, in the stores, and in the long, long streets, where it was almost impossible to slip unnoticed through an open square or – even worse – past those groups of young people standing on corners after work, whose revealing, watchful eyes tormented her more than anything – but not so much after she had gotten married and therefore was generally recognized as a woman who could be desired and loved, and be someone’s partner like anyone else. Did he think about it when they were out together? All the time? Had she lulled herself into a false sense of security here, inside the walls of the home they had created together? Her childhood dream of being like everyone else or just to have any other kind of bodily problem, something that wasn’t noticed at first glance – an unhealthy complexion, spindly legs, ugly hands – returned to her. That kind of thing could be hidden for a time, even from the husband she loved. Then one day, perhaps during an argument, she might finally hear that it had been on his mind the whole time. Then she would feel exposed and cry, as if her life and happiness were ruined for all time, even though she could still hide it from those she only came in contact with by chance or infrequently. But a woman who limps doesn’t get exposed the same way. She doesn’t limp more or less, depending on if anyone mentions it. It is a fact and visible to everyone, like red hair or a harelip. Until now she had never tried to hide it from anyone. And if anyone invited her out to dance, it was only natural that her husband would point out that she didn’t do that. Perhaps coolly and without emotion, as if, in response to another question, he were just saying: Our walls are eggshell, the bedroom is blue, and we’ve been married for about six months. – It doesn’t change what is already established. Only children yell ‘limpy-gimp’ and they only yell it at you when you’re a child too.