h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I went down behind Republic Plaza, to collect myself, to read for a while and rid myself of the selfpitying. It was warmer than I had expected, even in the shade, but the grass greener than ever. People siting by the stone tables idly talking. I sat down with my back against a tree.
Plath's scolding herself so very close to my own self hate. How she'd promise herself to pull herself together, her failing, her rational starting overs. Again and again. So painfully recognizeable. I drown myself in my work so I don't have to feel or face the world. And I talk in the safe distance on the MUD about things I never can share with anyone else, and hiding the rest because I don't want to face it myself. Don't want to put this into words.
A man came up to me, across the grass, saying what I was reading must be so very interesting, and I said that it was. He asked me if I was married and I said yes, laughing so that he'd know a noncomittal conversation would be all he'd ever get out of me. "Does he appriciate them there legs?" "Yes, he does" More laughter. He nodded seriously, evaluating my legs I kept crossed beneath me. "You sure?" I insisted. And he walked away.
I never used to mind a casual conversation with a stranger like this one. Why should I mind, being admired even so shallowly is nice, but this man came too close, violating my room, my space. I won't be sitting down there anymore.