Utopian Society

The badge at her shoulder was a deep shade of navy blue. The edges were stitched in gold thread that glimmered in the light, catching the rays of the sun. Elegant words had long since been embroidered into the badge, lines that told the world who she was. And every word on the badge was flattering: her name and a measly few lines that told her story to the world.
People bragged of the words inscribed on their friends’ badges. They said that they were friends with the balanced, the dignified, the insightful—that they were friends with the forceful, the polished, the deep. And if one did not brag of their friends’ badges? Then they bragged of their family’s. Tolerant! Stubborn! Manic! Each word was equal, as all people were. …show more content…
She made her way down the sidewalk, badge in clear sight and receiving smiles as she went on her way. She smiled back. As the idyllic homes passed, so did children playing on the streets.
A pair of black children were playing with a girl who looked to be of Japanese descent and a pale, brown-haired boy. Each one had a little badge on their shoulder of navy blue stitched with words of gold. Their lives would not be as idyllic as the homes.
She smiled at the children, slowly and gently, and a nearby parent waved at her, a man who closely resembled the little Japanese girl; she waved back, continuing on her path. She would return later. It would be easy.
Not for the first time, she was glad of the acceptance offered by society. Not a person challenged her morning walks or challenged her late-night activities. Activities was a rather subtle word, yes?
Subtle was one of the words stitched onto her badge, and she appreciated it being there. A beautiful word that suited her perfectly. All of her words did—each and every beautiful word.
She returned to the home at the evening, her absent-minded footsteps guiding her towards her deepest desires. She did love these