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Your mother wouldn't approve of how my mother raised me. But I do, I think I do.
— Your Best American Girls, Mitski
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━━━━━━ September 20, 2139
CASEY KING WAS EXCITED for her first week at school, she'd already gone four times so this would be the last for the week. She had just turned eight, one of her front teeth had come out, and her mom had gotten a new job with the fruit ladies. Casey got out of bed at 7:15 on the dot, recited the poem her mom said to her every night before she went to bed, then turned to sit on the edge of the bed. She tapped her right foot on the floor four times, set it down, did the same with her left, set it down, and stood.
⠀⠀⠀She walked to the bathroom, opened the door, and flicked the switch twelve times before stepping inside to use it. Then, she brushed her teeth back and forth in segments of four and put the brush back in its jar. As she left, she repeated how she flicked the switch and turned the lights off fully once she was satisfied.
⠀⠀⠀Casey went into the kitchen and found the plate of food her mom had left out for her on the counter. She smiled and went to the sink to wash and dry her hands. Then, she picked up her fork and ate the rations in even bites. After that, she rinsed her plate, set it down in the sink, and moved to her room.
