EIGHTEEN

Monday. Eighteen. I expected nothing to happen and was still faintly disappointed when nothing happened. Same face. Same hair. Same room. Same computer. Apparently adulthood does not install overnight. The day itself was lovely. Mom tried to keep things elegant and restrained, which lasted until relatives became involved. Dad called from Genova first thing and said being eighteen does not make me automatically sensible. Tia called later and demanded to know whether I could feel the maturity. Hikari gave me something so exactly right that I nearly cried and then blamed allergies. Marico behaved. Erick and Mark both came, although arranging this involved enough misinformation to qualify as intelligence work. Yuri’s present was beautiful and personal and made me feel understood, which is much more dangerous than expensive. Alexielle sent a message about how long she’s known this online version of me now. Edo sent music from Lecco plus `”ADULTCORE”` which is such a terrible word I considered blocking him. Cake happened, therefore four biscuits were suspended under birthday legislation. Tonight I keep looking at the date on the screen. 08/07/2002. Eighteen years old. I can vote. I can sign things. I can make legally recognised bad decisions.

Excellent.

Remember me, Eclipse.