152

It was such a small thing, just a glance, and it wouldn't have even been noticed if she hadn't looked up at the precise moment.  In her better days, Jess wouldn't have given it thought, but recently she had become hyper-sensitive to looks from strangers.  The face that Jess saw was disdainful.  Dismissive.  Disgusted.  The more she thought about that face, the more horrible the look became in her memory.  It told her she was unworthy and an affront to the senses.  Worse than an animal that could at least be pitied.