"Stop being so calm," he replied, the scalpel flicking out a second time. The bra strap parted neatly right in the middle and fell to either side, baring her breasts.

Her calm was making him agitated, making him feel not quite in control. He was so fragile, and he looked away for a moment, taking a drag on his cigarette before dropping it and crushing it under his heel.

"Take off your clothes," he said, still looking away.