The Heart Fountain

 
Thirty-Five
I wake up, and almost jump off my mat.
I’m 35 cycles today, a child no more.
I’m fully grown, with all my adult strength.
But most of the customs around this age are gone, hundreds of cycles ago.
People don’t celebrate it as they once did.
The law doesn’t recognize the age as anything special, at all.
But I’m excited.
You [...]

 
Return
My mind slips back, falling down an endless hole.
Until the body lands solidly in my awareness.
The warmth of the liquid in the vat surrounds me and supports my body.
How long have I been in the vat?
No way to tell yet.
The vat feels smaller than before.
I slowly stretch my muscles.
I feel relaxed and well rested.
Not sore, [...]