The character in Roxane Gay's "Difficult Women" occasionally throws on a skirt or tank top to enjoy the warmth of a sunny day, relishing the sensation of the air against her skin. However, this simple act of dressing can lead her to a moment of realization. The warmth and freedom she seeks is overshadowed by previous experiences that remind her of the consequences of her choices.

This subtle reflection reveals the tension between personal desire and societal expectations. While she yearns for the liberty of expressing herself through her clothing, it also brings back memories that highlight the vulnerability and challenges women face in navigating their identities and the world around them.