F

F is for Forward, she says. Like B is for Back.

No, he says. F means Carriage F. You’re wrong. That seat’s mine.

She checks her ticket. I’m not wrong, she says. I’m staying here.

A woman wearing an animal around her neck intervenes. Its glass eye winks. F is for Fox she says. Like B is for Badger.

The girl reaches out to the Fox. Tickles its chin.

The pelt opens its mouth. F, it says, is for get the fuck out of here. Both of you.