Megan’s Reviews > A Psalm for the Wild-Built > Status Update

“…If we want change, or good fortune, or solace, we have to create it for ourselves. …”

What the world had needed, in the end, was to change everything. They had narrowly averted disaster, thanks to a catalyst no one could have predicted.

•••

Feels especially poignant right now.

Dex raised an eyebrow. “That’s a little macabre.”
“Do you think so?” said Mosscap with surprise. “Hmm. I disagree.” It absently touched a soft fern growing nearby, petting the fronds like fur. “I think there’s something beautiful about being lucky enough to witness a thing on its way out.”

“It’s pretty here,” Dex said. “I wouldn’t have imagined I’d say that about a place like this, but—“
“Yes, it is,” Mosscap said, as if making a decision within itself. “It is. Dying things often are.”

“…It’s very odd, isn’t it? The thing every being fears most is the only thing that’s for certain? It seems almost cruel, to have that so…”
“Baked in?”
“Yes.”

About Death

Mosscap placed its free hand on Dex’s shoulder. “I appreciate the intent. I really do. But if you don’t want to infringe upon my agency, let me have my agency. I want to carry the tank.”

“I’d say you’re more than just an object,” Dex said.
The robot looked a touch offended. “I would never call you just an animal, Sibling Dex.” It turned its gaze to the road, head held high. “We don’t have to fall into the same category to be of equal value.”

What are you doing? they thought. The hell are you doing?
I don’t know, they replied with a nervous grin. I have no idea.

“Despite these blessings, sometimes Dex could not sleep. In those hours, they frequently asked themself what it was they were doing. They never truly felt like they got a handle on that. They kept doing it all the same.”