＃８ １

` ` YOUR MODISH C-SUITE PERSONA WILL SOON EXPIRE . ´ ´ , he tremors in his thin, nacre tone. His truth globs onto your self-esteem and stays there.

» wait

` ` THE RETROGRADATION OF THE ALGER-IAN DREAM MYTH IS NOW BEYOND QUESTION . ´ ´ A beat passes. He has used this exact phrasing before, anticipated your confusion—you realise he means Horatio Alger, not the dark magic of the Maghreb, and an unconscious patina of comprehension across your face permits him to continue. ` ` THERE WILL BE A FRENETIC REDEFINITION OF THE CHIC . AN ABANDONMENT OF PRETENSE, THE FINAL OBSOLESCENCE OF THE NOVI HOMINES-JUNTA . ´ ´

» wait

` ` PANTHALASSA , ´ ´ he unfurls outwards, magnanimous. ` ` RETURNS . ´ ´

» leave