Pride or something like it

I have this defiant streak. Lately, it's been rearing it's ugly, ugly head. A lot.

A little backstory. The Ex, obviously, no longer lives with me. He does still live in the neighborhood, and works at a restaurant in the neighborhood as well. When we were together, I would walk by the restaurant, sometimes because errands brought me past there, sometimes just to say hello. My food store is around the corner, pet store is one block away and both my drugstore and laundromat are on that block. End backstory.

I've thought about finding new places to go, but then Defiance kicks me in the ass, hard, and says, "Fuck that! You've lived in this neighborhood for five years. You shouldn't have to change anything!" and I puff my chest out a little, assume a glare and say, "Damn right." Defiance smiles proudly.

So, I'll be walking, about to turn on to the street out of habit, and I'll stop myself and think, "Maybe I should just go the other way." Defiance gives me a noogie and says, "Are you fucking kidding me?" That Defiance has a potty mouth. So I lift up my chin a little, feign indifference and charge on.

Yesterday, my charging on was thwarted by The Cutest Yellow Dress Ever in a store window across the street. Naturally, I have to stop and stare wistfully at it. Then, in the reflection of the store window, I see The Ex, standing on the sidewalk, staring at me, waiting for me to turn around. I don't turn around. I turn exactly 45 degrees to the left and walk home, muttering under my breath,

Defiance, you're an asshole.