Clara didn't say much at dinner that night. Her trip back to Mother Alden's house – like her trip back to the Sapphire Hotel – had been characterized by a strained silence as she'd arm-wrestled her prejudices in her striving to be an objective observer. From her cradle, Clara had learned the three cardinal rules for social success: education, efficiency, and image-maintenance. Applied to a well-balanced life, such ideals led to health, wealth, and prestige – and Earth had prospered for generations as a result. So why would one of its colonies toss out its cultural foundations? It made no sense.
Ephemeral: Chapter 12
Ephemeral: Chapter 12
Ephemeral: Chapter 12
Clara didn't say much at dinner that night. Her trip back to Mother Alden's house – like her trip back to the Sapphire Hotel – had been characterized by a strained silence as she'd arm-wrestled her prejudices in her striving to be an objective observer. From her cradle, Clara had learned the three cardinal rules for social success: education, efficiency, and image-maintenance. Applied to a well-balanced life, such ideals led to health, wealth, and prestige – and Earth had prospered for generations as a result. So why would one of its colonies toss out its cultural foundations? It made no sense.