The Simple Errand

John stepped out of his apartment, determined to run a few simple errands. He needed to pick up some groceries, deposit a check at the bank, and maybe get a new library card. It seemed like a straightforward day, but in a world where women outnumbered men 4:1, he knew better than to expect simplicity. As he walked to the grocery store, he was surrounded by the hum of feminine chatter and the occasional giggle. Women of all ages and backgrounds passed him on the sidewalk, their eyes scanning him up and down before quickly looking away. John felt like a specimen in a laboratory, constantly being examined and evaluated. At the grocery store, he was accosted by a woman who mistook him for her "sugar daddy." She batted her eyelashes and flirted shamelessly, asking him to buy her expensive chocolates and perfume. John tried to politely decline, but she wouldn't take no for an answer. "Come on, handsome," she cooed. "I'm sure you can afford it. You look like a man with a good job." John sighed inwardly, feeling his frustration grow. He didn't want to be rude, but he didn't want to encourage her either. He tried to extricate himself from the conversation, but she followed him to the checkout line, still chatting and laughing. As he loaded his groceries into his car, John couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. He had escaped the grocery store without too much trouble. But his relief was short-lived, as he soon found himself at the bank, surrounded by female employees who seemed to be competing with each other for his attention. The female teller, a bright pink-haired woman with a pierced nose, batted her eyelashes at him as she processed his deposit. "So, handsome, what brings you in here today?" she asked, her voice dripping with flirtation. John tried to keep his cool, but it was hard to resist the barrage of attention. "Just depositing a check," he replied, trying to sound casual. The teller, whose name tag read "Brittany," leaned in close, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Well, I have to say, you're definitely the most interesting thing that's happened to me all day." John felt a blush rise to his cheeks as he realized that Brittany was not going to let him off the hook easily. He quickly finished his transaction and made a hasty exit, feeling like he was being pursued by a pack of hungry women. As he walked to the library, John couldn't help but wonder if there was any escape from the constant barrage of female attention. He felt like he was living in a world where men were seen as commodities, objects to be used and discarded at whim. At the library, John was greeted by a friendly librarian who seemed immune to his charms. She efficiently processed his application for a new library card, chatting with him about books and authors. For a few blissful minutes, John felt like he was in a different world, one where men and women interacted as equals. But as he left the library, he was stopped by a group of women who were participating in a feminist book club. They invited him to join their discussion, and John, naive and unsuspecting, agreed. As they sat down to discuss the book, John quickly realized that he was in over his head. The women were passionate and articulate, and they seemed to be enjoying the discussion a bit too much. John tried to contribute to the conversation, but he found himself being talked over and interrupted. As the discussion drew to a close, John felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had survived the ordeal, but he couldn't help but wonder what other challenges the day would bring. He left the library, feeling like he was walking on eggshells, never knowing when or where the next wave of female attention would hit him.