The Girl Is Fine

By Rob Morris

The Summer Of The Rustbucket, First Iteration

Gwen had met the local girls while Ben was turning back a kaiju unleashed from a mine where the desired product had long since run out, but the company kept on drilling. When both she and Ben called this stupid, she knew it would be a long day.

But Gwen had connected, and they all agreed to hit a local diner known for good fries and shakes. Ben for his part got back to a game whose data was lost to one of the kaiju's EMP Shrieks.

She went for some casual clothes that were still a cut above her normal attire, to see and be seen, as some say. With Max outside, Gwen reluctantly turned to the only judge she had available, editing out 'Dweeb' so as to at least get a coherent opinion.

"So how do I look?"

Ben paused his game, glanced over, and suddenly, his one eye twitched slightly. He seemed to gulp.

"You look fine."

Without missing a beat, he resumed his game. Gwen shrugged and started to walk out. But Max was waiting just outside.

"Change your clothes, Gwendolyn."

She hadn't worn anything provocative. As was said, just a cut above her usual.

"Why, Granpa?"

Max pointed back inside.

"Because Gwen, your cousin, who is hard-wired to insult or belittle you, just said you look fine."

Gwen grumbled, walked to the makeshift changing area, and did as she was told. Stopping to look in the mirror, she grinned.

"He said I looked fine."

Just as suddenly, she slapped the grin off her own face. She glared at her reflection, and her reflection at her.

"Do NOT ever do that again!"