Cleopatra and Frankenstein

by Coco Mellors

Myke insists on talking to me, despite having no verifiable interest in me as a person at all. I am playing a game with myself where I see how many questions I can ask him until he asks me one in return. So far, I’m at nine. It is like putting coins in a slot machine with no hope of ever getting a prize.

Relatable...

It struck her that adult life was endlessly harsh and exciting, something to be overwhelmed by again and again, like a wave beating her down as she tried to stand.

“You want to know what the key to a happy life is, Zoe?” “There’s just one?” “Just one that matters,” said Jiro. “No expectations. No preferences. If you prefer one outcome over another in life, you will likely be disappointed. I prefer nothing and am always surprised.”

“I definitely don’t think I’m a genius,” said Zoe. “Who knows what you will be? You are still becoming.”

“I don’t have anything to pray to.” “You don’t have to pray to God,” he says. “Sometimes it helps just to talk to the air in the room.”