#vss365 4 of 4

I meet their eyes, but if I hold a gaze too long, the light drains from the face. Still, this is progress; this is hope.

I swim through the city’s #aphotic shadows, studying faces. I need to find one #chivalrous shine of innocence—
I am so hungry,
and it is the only snack I crave.

#vss365 3 of 4

I smile broadly, but they avoid me too. Everything #matters. Every line and movement on my face.

I try again on the next face; they recoil, breath sucked in.

Too many teeth, I decide adjusting each smile until
at #last I find the sweet spot between pathetic and #suave.

#vss365 2 of 4

I blink, #learning how to recreate these masks so I may seem normal.

An old man shuffles by, eyes lowered, muttering about his #health. He coughs, and the crowd parts around him.

I file this away—an expression that creates distance.

#vss365 3 of 3

“That’s the #issue!” I threw up my hands, motioning for him to really look at me. “Tell me—when, in all of history, was it ever be safe for someone like me?”

He stands in stunned silence.

“The ‘good old days’ weren’t good for everyone. And you want to send me back? Ha. No thanks.”

#vss365 2 of 3

"I want to go," I said, "but..."

“Is it the construction? It’s sturdy. I welded every rivet myself. No experimental tech — this device will #transport you to any time, any place. And safely return you to here and now.”

I was gobsmacked that he didn’t understand.

Thanks Bethany, now you know I'm a real person. 😁

Awe, thank you 😊

I love a feisty kitty.

Batty growls at dawn,
mewing for morning cuddles,
attacking exposed toes. 💝