Twelfth Knight

by Alexene Farol Follmuth

“Why should I have to shrink myself down so they can feel big? Doesn’t make sense.” “It’s not ideal, but it works,” she points out. “You catch more flies with honey.” “I have absolutely no use for flies.” “You know what I mean.”

So of course I’m angry. I’m angry all the time. From the betrayals of my government to the hypocrisies of my peers, it seems like the awfulness never rests and neither can I. No matter how many combat advantages I give Astrea Starscream, she’ll never be taken seriously. No matter how smart I am or how hard I work, my acceptance is always conditional. And it’s not just me—I don’t know how any girl can exist in the world without being perpetually furious.