Irene tries to keep up with politics wherever possible, attends talks on police intervention, participates in mutual aid, though increasingly she can’t help feeling that her will to be seen taking part is not matched by her actual desire to do so. She used to rage, to get involved with direct action and instigate chaos, but her anger has waned over time, the way laughter eventually becomes forced, and what is left feels unpleasant but nonetheless easier.
