Dietary Justice

Joel unwrapped the plastic casing around his packet of semi-liquid insect protein, glancing nervously at the guests filling his apartment. Many were already drunk; this was good. His girlfriend Rebecca led several others to the bathroom for party drugs; this was better. A housewarming is a delicate affair where each impression must be cultivated. The modern man should be both urbane and socially conscious, a treacherous balance to strike under any circumstances and particularly while entertaining.

Perched on the twentieth floor of his luxury apartment, Joel felt that he and Rebecca had truly arrived. Their ascent had been meteoric: they captured a brace of advanced degrees and secured well-salaried positions by their late twenties. At the office, Joel was obliged to watch and feign enjoyment as his supervisor masturbated. This happened weekly, but at least his path to promotion was clear. 

The flavored insect powder oozed down Joel’s throat in soothing chunks. Using his thumb and forefinger to massage the packet, bringing the last droplets of nutritious goo to his lips, he sensed growing approval and admiration from his guests: their body language warmed to him, their voices softened, and they began cooing gentle affirmations. Joel had nothing to worry about.