With his head high, straight shoulders Joel walked no, almost glided along the main street to a platform with a table and a sack with stones on it. A crowd was gathered around it and nobody was willing to start.

Mr Herford stepped on it and with one gesture quieted the audience.

“Dear citizens I know it’s not easy, I know how it is to loose a child like that.” – a murmur of support followed his words – “Lets make it quick. All unmarried girls aged 16 to 20 make line and try your luck. You may be first” – he pointed at Joel.

Joel wearing a pale blue dress with white lace was making little steps to climb the platform graciously. He felt the crowd staring at him and probably wondering who he was. It was time to put on his show, just as they practiced an hour before.

“Show everyone your hands.”

Joel showed empty hands but than before reaching into the sack he sneezed covering his mouth. He spited out the black stone and put his hand into the sack. As he pulled out and opened his hand, everyone saw black stone on it. The gathered people were silent for a second than someone started to cry, others expressed pity for the pretty girl whispering their anxiety among themselves. Being first and draw the black stone made her really an unfortunate being.

“I’m sorry my child.” – Mr. Headford patted Joel’s shoulder and the unlucky girl with shock in her eyes left the platform with a bag of clothes in her hand. The first part went smoothly. Joel waited a few more minutes before he heard a loud cry, another girl was chosen. She approached Joel sobbing all the time and holding her bundle tight to her chest, as it could save her life. She was about 18 years old and had a very robust physique. Crying all the time didn’t add to her appeal, her face was red and eyes swollen. He could even see some snot on her sleeve. A few man were looking in their direction, some of them smiling. Joel smiled back without thinking which encouraged one of the men to come closer to the wagon they sat in.

“Such a waste, if we have met earlier I would be more than happy to marry such a beauty.” he smiled back showing his yellowish teeth.

Joel blushed, for the first time he realized how it is to be a woman and endure such compliments. He said nothing. The man took it for regret of lost opportunity and continued.

“If I draw the black stone, I will take care of you” he promised going back to the line.

That almost made Joel burst with laughter. That ugly, stinky man hoped for his affection. Some man really lack of self consciousness. He was no match for a beauty of Joel’s kind. For a moment he was wondering weather he was perceived in a similar manner by women too. Three more men joined them and there was only one missing. After a wile a shocked sight and some sobs later a young looking boy went down the platform as his mother crying out loud hugged him in the vain attempt to hold him back.

“I’ll go instead – a familiar voice broke the family drama – I’ll take his place.” The ugly guy was declared a hero, the boys mother even kissed his hands praising his selfishness and Joel felt goosebumps, like everywhere.

The village hero placed his ass across Joel and winked him. Joel almost rolled his eyes at the sight of this asshole. He really decided to follow him after a short discussion they had? What a fucking idiot. For a moment Joel imagined what would happen if the guy new that he was a fake woman with dick between legs. He hid his face in his hands shaking all around as he was trying to suppress his burst of laughter.

“Don’t worry beautiful one, it will be all right Brian will take care of you No need to cry.” - His words full of compassion filled Joel with uneasiness. What a pain in the ass.