This is part of a compilation of short stories, set an a hypothetical future where women are required to submit to any sexual advance unless already owned. Of course, everything is fiction and in no way condones non-consensual activity.
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Doctor in grocery store
15 years she had worked for her career. Four years of medical school. A five year residency. And a short six years as an attending. A career in its infancy yet the new laws matured - from appearing as mere ideas in niche media sites to being enforced in even less time. Her days, both then and now, consisted of grueling work at the hospital and intense hours of studying in her off time. Already, she was very respected in her sub specialty. However, in the year following the laws instatement, that began to shift.
She had been approached a few times on nights out with her friends. She certainly wasn't happy about it, but all it took was a few halfhearted blow jobs to men in their 20s who were just starting to test the limits.
Today, she had a presentation to peer clinicians, research fellows, and hospital administrators on up-and-coming therapies. In anticipation of her success, she decided to stop by the grocery store to buy a bottle of wine to celebrate with that night. she walked into the grocery store in her pumps, dress pants, and nicely tailored blouse. She used to dress in more revealing clothing, but in the past year she had begun dressing as conservatively and plainly as possible in the hopes of diverting attention. This strategy was sometimes successful. Today was not one of those times.
While she was leaning over, looking at a bottle of cab, she heard a voice. "Let's see that neck, bitch." All women had been required to get tattooed with their birthday right above their sternum and owned women with a tattooed collar around their neck.
She gave an exacerbated sigh. She didn't have time for this or she was going to be late. She turned slowly around to reveal her un-collared neck. She was horrified to see a dirty, older man with his hand already down his pants. She solemnly observed that he wasn't like those young boys who just wanted to cum and run. He had a menacing look in his eye. She averted her eyes in the hopes that he'd let her go. In doing so, she took in his appearance. An unkempt beard with chunks of dirt in it. Torn jeans, but not in the fashionable way she wore when she was younger. Worn down sandals.
"Bend over."
"I really need to go actually. I need to get to work."