The Pariah

I often feel like a pariah because women are trained to be alike and I don't conform. I just ran into two women one of whom I've known for 25 years. I was walking my dog and they were having a 'fitness walk' just ahead of me in matching black yoga slacks and white shirts. I said hello but it was clear the woman I know was terrified and couldn't stop even for a split second although I had seen her stop twice to retie her new fitness shoes. I decided to continue on my mission: picking up trash, walking Lily. On my ay home I saw the two ladies again at the fitness center parking lot but this time I didn't desire to stop.