The Commute from Hell

John stepped off the crowded train and onto the platform, exhausted. The morning rush had been a nightmare, with beautiful women packed in like sardines, their bodies pressed against his. He had tried to maintain his composure, but it was clear that he was the object of their desire. Every so often, a hand would brush against his, or a whisper would tickle his ear, making his skin crawl. As he made his way through the throngs of people, John caught a glimpse of a news headline on a nearby screen: "Another Male Politician Embroiled in Sex Scandal." The pressure on men to perform was suffocating. It seemed like every woman he met was looking for a way to climb the social ladder, and men were often seen as stepping stones. The train doors closed behind him, and the train pulled out of the station, leaving John to navigate the crowded platform. He was squished and jostled by the sea of people, all trying to get to their destination. A group of women, giggling and chatting, surrounded him, their eyes scanning him up and down. "Hey, handsome, you're looking particularly delicious today," one of them said, winking at him. John forced a smile and tried to edge away, but they followed him, their comments growing more suggestive by the minute. He quickened his pace, trying to lose them in the crowd, but they kept pace with him. As he turned a corner, John spotted a group of men standing by the coffee shop, looking just as frazzled as he was. They exchanged commiserating glances, and one of them, a tall, lanky guy with a kind face, approached him. "Tough morning, huh?" he asked, nodding sympathetically. John nodded, grateful for the understanding. "You have no idea. It's like every woman I meet is trying to jump my bones." The guy chuckled. "I know what you mean. I'm starting to think we need to start carrying warning signs or something. 'Caution: Male, may be hazardous to your health.'" John laughed, feeling a sense of solidarity with this stranger. For a moment, they commiserated about their shared struggles, but then the guy's phone buzzed, and he excused himself to take the call. John continued on his way, feeling a little more energized after his brief encounter. He ducked into a coffee shop to grab a quick caffeine fix before meeting Rachel for their 10 am meeting. As he waited in line, he noticed a woman standing behind him, her eyes fixed on his backside. He felt a shiver run down his spine and quickly turned around, trying to make eye contact. "Hi," he said, attempting to sound friendly. The woman smiled and took a step closer, her voice husky. "I couldn't help but notice... you're looking particularly attractive today." John's eyes widened, and he took a step back, trying to create some distance. "Uh, thanks," he muttered, feeling his face grow hot. The woman laughed and leaned in closer, her breath tickling his ear. "I'm sure you're used to getting compliments all the time, but I just had to tell you... you're making my day." John's skin crawled, and he quickly paid for his coffee, grabbing it and making a hasty exit. He couldn't wait to get to the office and hide behind his computer screen. The commute from hell was over, but the trials of the day were just beginning. As he walked to the office, John couldn't help but wonder if there was any escape from the constant barrage of female attention. Everywhere he went, women seemed to be throwing themselves at him, and he was starting to feel like he was losing his sense of self in the process. He sighed, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. It was going to be a long day.