7.13.19

I heard the clack of the Devil’s white shoes over the sounds of my heart monitor.

“Have you come for my soul at last?” I wheezed through the mask.

The Devil walked to my side. “I took your soul years and years ago when we made the contract. It’s long gone, fed to creditors in dimensions where hunger is the only rule. You’ve lived without one nearly all your life. There is no eternity for you.”

“If it’s already gone, then why –“ I coughed my last in agony as The Devil grinned.

“I’m just here to watch you die.”

7.3.19

The wall of flags seemed to be without end. Countless bright colors stood out, bordered by flags that were variations of the core. Some were adorned with symbols, each representing a fraction of a broader experience. A man sucked his teeth disgustedly at the display.

“This waters down the whole experience. Is this what our elders fought for at Stonewall, so that any tumblr teen who thought being a catgirl was their true identity could be part of the family?”

He resumed typing on his phone, confirming the text on his profile.

“NO FATS NO BLACKS NO FEMMES NO ASIANS”

7.2.19

I remember a cough.

I had been holding on to the intake from a vaporizer, filling my lungs, and there was a cough.

Silence. No time, no thought, no presence.

The first sensation that returned was touch. I desperately reached for any handhold. I felt the texture of a sofa on my grip. I assumed I was returning to reality.

But there was a beautiful woman in front of me. A sunlit goddess was rubbing my chest, forcing me to wonder if I was back in the world.

“Weed isn’t supposed to kill you, dummy,” she giggled. “Let’s try edibles.”

To: Clotho, Lachesis, Atropos @ etsy.com/fatesloom

Re: Ravelry ban.

After much deliberation and careful consideration, we regret that you are banned from Ravelry indefinitely, due to the following posts:

6.18.19 YOUR PATTERN IS BAD AND YOUR BIOPSY IS POSITIVE.

6.22.19 IT’S NOT THAT THEY DIDN’T LIKE THE SWEATER; THEY’RE LEAVING YOU FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND ON THURSDAY.

6.28.19 HOW TO KNIT A SCARF THAT KNOWS WHEN YOU WILL DIE. PATTERN INCLUDED.

We read your response on 7.1, and from experience, do not feel your argument of ‘truth telling’ makes for a positive environment in the fabric arts.

Sincerely yours,

Cassandra.

6.30.19

The day was clear. None of the park-goers by Loyola University expected the rain that fell. A gathering remained, surrounding an adoring couple. The pair knelt, as an elderly woman spoke to them. They sipped sake as onlookers applauded. When the rain cleared, the couple walked off together, changing back into foxes in the park’s shadows. The woman rose, gathering the shawl that disguised her nine tails.

A young fox, disguised as a bicycle courier, took her hand.

“Beautiful wedding, my grandmother.”

“Rogers Park is kind to newcomers. I expect more foxes soon. We should paint one of the benches.”

6.27.19

“I like to think of it as the ‘Duh’ factor.”

 We spent the evening talking about everything and nothing, waiting in the car for the train that would take me home.

“Explain.”

“Say you’re ill and need my kidney. My response is ‘Duh, of course.’ No thought at all. That is family to me. If you ever need anything from me, my response is always going to be: ‘Duh, you’re my sister’.

I didn’t know those stray words would change so much. My family is now so very large, and she was the first of my found brothers and sisters.

6.26.19

 “You have to believe me-“

“I –do- believe you, Chris. But there’s a better way. .”

Chris stared at Ryan in horror. He had found Chris’ secret space, and had locked himself in with Chris, on this night of all nights. The growl built in Chris’ throat, as his body rippled in the moonlight spilling from the basement window. Soon he would-

The tap on his nose was sharp.

“No.”

Ryan’s gaze never left him, one finger raised, and the other pointed at the floor. The werewolf sat down, whimpering, as a treat was balanced on his nose.

“Good boy.”