u s e y o u r h a n d s

I have selected my burlesque music.

She had forgotten her book. The long bus ride ahead of her seemed arduous without something to read. Elspeth searched her purse, but she’d just pitched all the crumpled receipts, leaflets, and photocopied articles that usually packed it. It held only Elspeth’s wallet, a lipstick, and her keys.

She opened the first of her wallet’s two main compartment. It held her driver’s license, credit and miscellaneous other cards. A hidden pocket behind it contained movie, plane, and theatre ticket stubs, all alphebetized and organized by date. The first note, folded in thirds, given to her by her now husband. Someone’s ATM receipt showing a bank balance of $247, 495.

The other compartment was solely for change. This pocket was separated by a zippered pouch where she stowed postage stamps. To the right, nickels, dimes, and quarters, including one Candian, and one British piece. To the left, pennies sequestered and dusty.

Elpeth examined each article then put it carefully back into the wallet. She zippered it and popped it back into her purse. Only three stops had passed.