For once in your life you stand up for yourself... and get nothing for it

Gulping furiously you look around, from the multitude of boys to the thin pane of glass beside you, to the box of stolen clothes. You know you can't afford to replace the stolen articles, but is the price you'd have to pay to get them back worth the price of replacing them?

You're so caught up in your dilemma that you never notice the proprietor pressing on the memory card with one dirt encrusted nail, then stealing it when the card pops out.

"I... I won't do it!" you proclaim loudly, pride infusing you. In the past you've always crmbled in the face of pressure. Bullies at school - and the boys in the trailer park - had always taken advantage of you.

"Suit yourself," the proprietor shrugged, putting the box below the counter. Your shoulders sink but your hand snakes out to snatch up your ex-boyfriend's camera before the man can steal it.

"Well... I... I'll just have to take my proof to the police, then," you say, holding up the camera and hoping he'll give in.

Instead he just shrugs and goes back to reading. "Suit yourself," he repeats.

For a long moment you stare at him, waiting and willing him to give in.

Instead, he keeps reading, and the men watching the exchange glance at each other before moving away, leaving you deflated and beaten.

"Well... I...I'm going..." you say, willing him to change his mind. He just waves a couple of fingers.

Defeated, you turn with sagging shoulders and push through the front door, morosely walking away from the laundromat and your 'moral' victory. Your bag full of schoolbooks and purse with credit card and driver's license remain sitting by the chair where you'd so flagrantly fondled yourself.