"Not Your Opinion"
Lena and Sarah walked down the busy street, their summer dresses swaying in the warm breeze. The city was alive, full of chatter, the hum of cars, and the rush of pedestrians, but amid it all, they only had eyes for each other.
"It's so hot today," Lena laughed, pulling her sunglasses down. "I can't believe it's only May."
Sarah grinned, adjusting the straps of her sundress. "I know, right? But I'm not complaining."
As they strolled past a group of men sitting outside a café, Lena heard it first—a low whistle that cut through the air. Sarah tensed, glancing over her shoulder as a voice yelled, "Looking fine, girl. Nice dress!"
Lena bit her lip, the familiar feeling of being objectified washing over her. She kept walking, her steps more deliberate now. Sarah, who was used to the comments, kept her head held high but let out a small sigh.
"You ever get used to this?" Sarah muttered under her breath, not expecting an answer.
Lena hesitated before replying. "No. But I've learned to not let it bother me… at least, most of the time."
The comments kept coming. "Hey, where you headed? Looking good," another voice shouted. Another whistle. More laughter from the group.
Lena stopped, suddenly feeling the weight of all those eyes on her. The feeling of being reduced to nothing more than a body in a dress. It wasn't flattering. It wasn't a compliment. It was invasive.
Sarah nudged her, her expression softening. "Don't let them get to you."
Lena glanced at her friend, then back at the group of men still watching. "I'm tired of hearing it. I don't dress for them."
And with that, she turned to face the group of men. Her voice was steady but firm. "Hey! It's not okay to make us feel like we're here for your entertainment."
The men looked startled, some of them even trying to cover their smirks with awkward coughs. Sarah stood beside Lena, her gaze unwavering.
"We're just walking down the street," Lena continued. "Our clothes, our bodies, they're none of your business. Don't catcall, don't shout, don't reduce us to your comments."
There was silence for a moment. Then, one of the men mumbled an apology, but Lena didn't wait around for their excuses. She turned back, nodding at Sarah.
"Let's go."
As they walked away, the noise of the street filled the air once more. But Lena didn't feel small anymore. She felt like she had taken back something that had been taken from her too many times.