Lake Lewisia #570

Matchmaking services saw a modern resurgence as soon as they branched outside of romance and into other interpersonal situations. Those seeking roommates and business partners, rideshares and mentorships, all reached out to the various organizations and individuals who promised the largest, most detailed databases and the most deft ability to match those with compatible needs, hoping to bridge the gaps left by fractured social ties and underdeveloped social skills both. Most matchmakers closely guarded their methods as industry secrets, though one could make educated guesses after initial consultations that involved exhaustive questionnaires or blood offerings or seances.

---

LL#570

Today's Keyboard Smash

Smoke is even worse today, with the sun glowing apocalyptic red through the haze. My mouth is killing me, with the area under my tongue inexplicably bruised feeling. It hurts to yawn, which is particularly unfair, as yawns are basically the full expression of my soul at this point. Work is no longer a shitshow for the moment, but the projects are drying up and my team lead is still gently pushing me about taking on the position that's just opened up. I read something that sent me into an existential crisis about climate change, which officially is beyond the scope of my abilities to cope, let alone actually do anything at the moment.

None of these things are enjoyable.

On the other hand, the first thing I saw when I got to work was a toad moving from one area of the landscaping to another, close to the door I use. Just doing toad things. Small palm-sized, bumpy, greenish. Just toad. That helped me a lot. Thanks, toad.