The sickening uniformity of Beige

 

"If you dial," Iran said, eyes open and watching, "for greater venom, then I'll dial the same. I'll dial the maximum and you'll see a fight that makes every argument we've had up to now seem like nothing. Dial and see; just try me." She rose swiftly, loped to the console of her own mood organ, stood glaring at him, waiting. He sighed, defeated by her threat. "I'll dial what's on my schedule for today." Examining the schedule for January 3, 1992, he saw that a businesslike professional attitude was called for. "If I dial by schedule," he said warily, "will you agree to also?" He waited, canny enough not to commit himself until his wife had agreed to follow suit.

- Do androids dream of electric sheep?

I'm curious. If you live in a society governed by mood regulators, and everyone has the same deviations available to them, then does that mean we have potentially solved for equality of outcome? 

Ode to the traveller

 You've been with me through thick and thin. On travels long and short. It's only fitting that "Crossroads" comes on. We are at one today. 

I'd say it's been 5 years since I've known you, give or take. I still remember the day we met. It was in that dusty shop in V's lane. The only one open on that rainy day in that annoying part of town. Tucked between shops run by sweaty men selling sketchy, aromatic rolls and a petty shop selling things you didn't know you need. A chance meeting, fated even. I knew I had to have you the minute I saw you. Something about the fact that you had no need to stand out - was comforting to me. To me it spelt functional, secure, laid back, dependable. In my eyes, those qualities made you a star. 

Coals simmer while flames die out. And you, my sweet sweet love, are grade A coal! Top notch, the finest, like zoinks x 10. You hung around, got older, reassuring asf but never demanding. I took you for granted, if I am being honest.

This year we haven't been so lucky. We've seen so many patchy days.  People started spotting it as well. Everytime they saw us, they'd ask me what was wrong. "You're tearing me apaaart, Lisa!" is what I want to say. I knew what they meant. I could see that you were changing, we were not snug like we used to be. It's like some inexplicable distance crept in and refused to leave. That's probably on me. I knew the end was nearing, but I chose to look the other way.

Today is the day, when you let me down. I stood up, and you promptly fell down. It was a good ten seconds that I was silent. I saw you crumpled at my feet, your folds so serene. I stepped out of you, held you, caressed you for a while.

I know I have to let you go. It hurts even to say so. My soft grey companion...may you rest in peace.