So, I crept into her office and found her sitting there at her desk, sipping a cup of tea and waiting for me.

“Sit down, Agnes,” she said, resting her cup of tea on a small saucer beside her pile of papers.

God, this can’t be good, I thought to myself. Although I had expected attention for my new wardrobe choices, I hardly expected it would land me in my boss’s office.

“We’ve had some – complaints regarding your new attire,” she explained. “Some of the other employees have felt your colors are a bit – distracting.”

Normally, I would have retreated – curled up inside myself, coiled like a mamba in some secret part of myself where not even shame or guilt can follow.

But, much to my surprise, I didn’t.

I found myself stretching out, as if pleased to show her how wicked I can be – as if I were that very same carnivorous plant they thought of me, the very same monster they had already named me.

“We’re going to ask you take the rest of the day off,” she told me.

So, I packed my things and left the office for the day. When I walked, it felt as if a thick red weed sprouted from each of my footprints – a trail for anyone daring enough to follow.

I think I’ve earned my eyes for another day. Don’t you?

Agnes

EMAIL FROM ZOE CROSS

Date: 06/05/2000

Time: 8:41 p.m.

From: Zoe Cross <crushedmarigolds@[omitted].com>

To: Agnes Petrella <agnes_in_wonderland_76@[omitted].com>

Subject: Re: The Red Dress

Agnes,

I am so delighted to hear you’ve reclaimed your power and that you’re making colossal strides toward the ownership of your true identity – a fearless young woman. I knew that pushing you would result in something truly glorious, but I never expected you to present yourself with such dedication and resilience.

I’m truly impressed.

I knew defying the conventions of your place of employment’s dress code would be exactly the thing you needed to recognize your true worth as a person. I only wish I could have been there to witness the carnage unfold.

I look forward to discussing more tonight on Instant Messenger. I should be on around ten-thirty, if you can make it.

I hope this isn’t too forward. (But, then again, I feel as though we have no more boundaries between us.) If you’d truly like to make a bold statement and embrace your new identity, go the rest of the week without wearing any underwear.

Talk to you tonight,

Zoe

INSTANT MESSAGING CONVERSATION BETWEEN AGNES AND ZOE

06/05/2000

[<crushedmarigolds> has entered the chat]

[<agnes_in_wonderland_76> has entered the chat]

10:34:02 <crushedmarigolds> Hey

10:34:09 <crushedmarigolds> How does the snake feel in her new skin?

10:34:18 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> I feel like I could burst into flames

10:34:28 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> I’ve never felt this way before

10:34:37 <crushedmarigolds> Didn’t take much