Plaiyda Rook gazed at the light streaking by the digital window of the Lightrail, mesmerized by how every jolt and jostle was mirrored on the visualizer. When the light-speed rails first launched in Rootspace, people eagerly anticipated sci-fi visuals from every window. Finally, an experience that even the latest game consoles couldn’t replicate! Instead, they got windowless boxes. An engineer probably joked, “What were you expecting to see, FASTER light?”

…

I have a life I want to live now,
Thanks to my transition,
And the support of my friends and family.

I feel safe in my body now,
Thanks to my transition,
And some medication,
And the support of my friends and family.

I’m in love now,
Thanks to my transition,
And love from some wonderful people,
And some medication,
And the support of my friends and family.

I’m in fear now.
That I’ll be punished for my transition,
And the people I love.
That they’ll take away my medication,
And my friends and family,
And the life I want to live.

…

Ugh. This election has been particularly upsetting. I thought we had a chance, but I grossly overestimated the average voter’s ability to be a decent human being. I knew no matter what the results were tonight that I would be disgusted by them. Still, the results are here, and I can’t help but be a little more repulsed than I thought I’d be. America has dug itself a hole to hell, and I’m having a hard time holding onto the belief that it wants to pull itself out.

…