Month: June 2025

I was an avid reader myself. My friends and I had started a detective-fiction book club during the pandemic. We called ourselves the Code Red Gals. We were always on the lookout for new book ideas; and it occurred to me it would be neighbourly to share a conversation with Alberto about our books. It was clear his reading gave him immense joy. He always seemed to beam from ear to ear; having little moments of clarity as he read. I wondered if he was into crime and detective stories like my friends and I.

I scan around the room, seeking Nina but finding other familiar faces instead. Doug and Klaus, everyone’s favorite couple. I say that sarcastically, of course. People are so jealous of happiness these days. Myself included. They’re practically making love on the dance floor. I try to support the bold act; cannon fodder for the revenge of Oren and the like who would see Locust shut down. The young lovers don’t care. Why should they have to?