I spent so many years forgetting I had teeth, too.

So, I packed my things up and hurried out of the office, swiping the underwear from the washroom stall before I forgot. I stepped out onto the street, daylight running its fingers through my hair as if it were a fire. That’s when I thought of you.

I know you’ll take care of me.

You won’t eat me. No matter how much you enjoy the way I taste.

EMAIL FROM ZOE CROSS

Date: 06/08/2000

Time: 4:13 p.m.

From: Zoe Cross <crushedmarigolds@[omitted].com>

To: Agnes Petrella <agnes_in_wonderland_76@[omitted].com>

Subject: Re: A Drudge’s Duties

Drudge,

I’m devastated to learn of your recent dismissal. But I’m delighted to know you don’t view this slight impediment as a major setback.

In truth, I was considering reaching out to you and explaining that you no longer need to work when you’re under my care. I assured you that I will take care of you and I certainly do not intend to neglect my side of our agreement.

We can discuss this further tonight on Instant Messenger. I’ll be on at ten o’clock. I expect to see you there.

Signed,

Sponsor

INSTANT MESSAGING CONVERSATION BETWEEN AGNES AND ZOE

06/08/2000

[<crushedmarigolds> has entered the chat]

[<agnes_in_wonderland_76> has entered the chat]

10:01:04 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Hi

10:01:08 <crushedmarigolds> You’re late

10:01:14 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> I’m sorry

10:01:20 <crushedmarigolds> Sorry what?

10:01:31 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Sorry, Sponsor

10:01:43 <crushedmarigolds> That’s a good Drudge

10:01:52 <crushedmarigolds> You understand the penance for being late?

10:02:03 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Yes, Sponsor

10:02:14 <crushedmarigolds> You’re to hold your breath for a minute

10:02:22 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Yes, Sponsor

10:02:34 <crushedmarigolds> Deep breath

10:02:39 <crushedmarigolds> Starting now

10:02:45 <crushedmarigolds> Don’t breathe

10:02:52 <crushedmarigolds> Not yet

10:03:05 <crushedmarigolds> Keep it held

10:03:14 <crushedmarigolds> Not done yet

10:03:22 <crushedmarigolds> Almost there

10:03:29 <crushedmarigolds> Almost

10:03:35 <crushedmarigolds> Now

10:03:39 <crushedmarigolds> Breathe

10:03:49 <crushedmarigolds> What do you say?

10:03:55 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Thank you, Sponsor

10:04:07 <crushedmarigolds> That’s a good girl

10:04:15 <crushedmarigolds> Now, the matter of your allowance…

10:04:22 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Allowance?

10:04:31 <crushedmarigolds> Don’t you think that’s fair?

10:04:44 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Yes. I guess so…

10:04:50 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> That’s very generous of you

10:05:01 <crushedmarigolds> I’ll deposit fifteen hundred dollars in your account on the first of every month

10:05:11 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Fifteen hundred?!!

10:05:22 <crushedmarigolds> A fair amount?

10:05:29 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> I would say so.

10:05:33 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> It’s too generous

10:05:41 <crushedmarigolds> You know Mommy wants to take care of her girl

10:05:55 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Yes. I know

10:06:03 <crushedmarigolds> Is there anything you want?

10:06:11 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Anything I want?

10:06:19 <crushedmarigolds> If you could have anything

10:06:29 <crushedmarigolds> Name it

10:06:38 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> I want to see you in person

10:06:44 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> I want to be able to touch you

10:06:55 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> To know you’re real

10:07:04 <crushedmarigolds> Aren’t I real enough for you already?

10:07:12 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> You’re just a blinking cursor to me right now