In a grimy, run-down building, a plump woman shook a rug out the window, oblivious to the dust showering the slender woman below.
“Oi, love, watch it with that rug! You’re getting dust in my hair!” the thin woman snapped, scowling.
The plump one smirked. “Honestly, dear, your hairs already a mess. A bit more dust wont make a difference.”
The row was heating up when the thin womans mother appeared, broom in hand, and whacked the plump womans window.
“Youll smash my pane, you beanpole!” the plump woman shot back.
The mother barked, “Always stirring trouble, arent you? You great lump!”
As the three bickered, a thief passing by watched with a sly grin. Womenalways at each others throats. Thisll be easy.
That night, the thin woman was heading home when the thief blocked her path. “Dont scream,” he warned. “Just come quietly.”
“Where are you taking me?” she stammered.
His yellowed teeth glinted. “That dark alley over there. Well have some fun.”
His eyes gleamed like a starving fox. She tried to shout, “Help!”
He grabbed her hair, clamping a hand over her mouth. “Scream again, and Ill ruin you.”
Lights flicked on. Curtains twitchedneighbours peeking outthen hastily shut, fear winning out.
“See?” the thief sneered. “All these women, terrified of me. Pathetic!”
The air felt thick, foreboding. Then
**WHACK.**
The thief spun to see the plump woman, broom in hand. “Let her go, you rotter, or youll regret it!”
He laughed. “You? Alone? Listen, you great cow, you were just scrapping with her!”
Her glare turned icy. “Weve our differences, but Id never let a man harm a woman. I might be alonebut were never outnumbered.”
He scoffed. “You lot are weak!”
Then, behind her, more women appearedmothers, neighbours, armed with rolling pins, knives, brooms. Their eyes burned with fury.
The thiefs bravado faltered. Why was he sweating? Hed fought blokes twice his size, even coppersso why did these housewives unnerve him? Something wasnt right. If he stayed, theyd tear him apart.
The air crackled with menace, like wolves circling prey.
“Come on, girls!” the plump woman roared.
They advanced. The thief bolted, shrieking, “Help!”
He slipped in a puddle, crashed into a bin, then scrambled up, sprinting like the devil was on his heels.
The women chased him, then halted, breathless, brandishing their weapons like a furious army ready to skin him alive.
When calm returned, the plump woman turned to the thin one. “You alright?”
“Yeah… Thank you. I thought no one would come.”
She smiled. “If women stood together more, the worldd be better. United, were stronger.”
That day, a band of women outmatched one cowardly manproving that together, they could face anything.
