When the school day came to an end, Billy and Alice hung up their white pinafore aprons and donned their overcoats before walking the mile or so out of the town and up the hill. “I don’t think any of the other girls have to wear a corset,” Billy said.
“Hardly anyone does anymore,” Alice told him. “My mother used to and my grandmother still does and I never expected I’d ever have to wear one.”
“So why do we have to wear them?” Billy asked.
“Because she’s mean and likes inflicting pain on us.” Alice quickly replied. “Or maybe because she’s always worn one and just thinks all girls still should… although you shouldn’t have to wear one because you’re not even a girl,” she added.