Poem: "Each Diverse Human Gift"
Feb. 2nd, 2026 05:11 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the December 3, 2024 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by a prompt from fuzzyred. It also fills the "Fresh-baked Bread / Rolls" square in my 11-1-24 card for the Sleepytime Bear Bingo fest, and the "Adaptive Equipment" square in my 9-1-24 card for the People with Disabilities Drabble Fest Bingo. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to the College Arc of the Shiv thread in the Polychrome Heroics series.
"Each Diverse Human Gift"
[Wednesday, August 17, 2016]
After the epic shopping trip,
Arthur had suggested that
Shiv scout out locations of
the accessibility features on
the university campus for
things he might find useful.
It seemed like a good idea,
and when they heard that
Erwin Young had planned
to do the same, Shiv was
all for them teaming up.
You never knew when
someone else might spot
an issue or opportunity
that you had overlooked.
Shiv wore a T-shirt printed,
Disability Is Diversity along
with the red shorts from
his recent shopping trip,
because he didn't want
to be overlooked today.
Erwin, however, seemed
rather baffled by something.
"What is all that?" he said.
"Utility belt?" Shiv said. "It's
only got a few bits on it since I
didn't need much, but yeah, Arthur
suggested checking accommodations
together so I brought my kit. Magnifier,
tape measure, laser thingie that's both
a sight and a level, that sorta stuff."
"I see that you've come prepared,"
Arthur said with a smirk. "I find
your competence reassuring."
"Yeah, and I've also loaded
the accessibility rules on
my smartphone, plus put
NHCO on speed dial,"
Shiv said, waving at it.
"Why would you need
NHCO?" Erwin asked.
"In case we find violations
and campus won't fix 'em,"
Shiv said, and then winced.
"But please don't make me
call NHCO. They know I'm
Clan Finn now, and it gives
them mini-panic attacks."
"Really?" Arthur said.
"What happens then?"
"Yes, really," Shiv said.
"Last week I had to call
about an awful customer,
and then the dispatcher
freaked out a bit. We've
reported a lot crappy stuff
and NHCO knows about it."
"Well, it shouldn't be a problem
today," Arthur assured him. "I
know the accessibility here is
pretty good, and if anything's
wrong, people typically fix it."
"Then hopefully I won't need this,"
Shiv said, patting his utility belt.
"So where are we going first?"
"Parking lots," said Arthur. "We
need to check all the ones closest
to the buildings that Erwin will be
using most often, to make sure
the handicap spaces are clear,
the sidewalks are traversable,
front doors are wide enough,
and elevators are working."
"Can do," Shiv said. "I've
had that training for work."
"Really?" Erwin said. "I just
got a quick skim of that stuff
when I was in the hospital."
Shiv rolled his eyes. "Then
they stiffed you," he said. "Go
to Freeman's Family Hospital
and they'll give you a better intro.
How did you not wind up there
in the first place? Because they
usually get all of the soup cases."
"They were overfull," Erwin said.
"There were a lot of casualties."
Well, hell. Freeman's was good,
but some of the other hospitals
and clinics around Omaha didn't
know their ass from their elbow.
"Fuck, tell me someone at least
taught you how to fall safely?"
Shiv said, eyeing the wheelchair.
"What?" Erwin said. "No, they
taught me to stay in the seat."
"A great big fuck no to that,"
Shiv said. "What if something
comes at your head and you
have to bail? What if it tips?"
He pulled out a business card.
"Here, call Simon, he'll sort it."
"Um, okay," said Erwin. "I
thought you said not to use
him as an example, though?"
Arthur chuckled. "Can't say
I blame him, I've seen videos."
"Simon sees every obstacle as
a challenge, and I had the blisters
to prove it," Shiv said. "But what
he doesn't know about wheelchairs
is hardly worth knowing. Call him."
"I will, and thanks for the tips,"
Erwin said. "So, parking lots?"
"Yeah, let's start with this one,"
Arthur said. "It's well located."
"Bus stops," Shiv said suddenly.
"Erwin, do you ever use buses?"
"Sure, they have buses with lifts,
and smaller shuttles," said Erwin.
"I'm in the Wheeler Diversity House,
and we've got a lift van there, too."
"Then we need to check the bus stops,"
said Shiv. "Those are supposed to have
a shelter with a seat inside, but they don't
all remember to leave a parking space
under the roof for a wheelchair. Better
to find out now than when it's raining."
Erwin stared at him. "Good point.
I wouldn't have thought of that."
"Eh, you said that you were
hurt bad enough to spend
most of your time in bed,"
said Shiv. "Now that you're
out and about again, you'll
have a chance to learn what
you need to pay attention to."
"Another fucking opportunity
for growth," Erwin grumbled.
"That's the spirit!" Shiv said,
punching the air. "Go get 'em!"
Arthur chuckled. "All right,
we'll check the bus stops too."
It took them a while, because
there were parking lots all over
campus and Erwin would need
several of them, but Arthur had
a map of their locations and
the handicapped spots.
They checked the details,
and happily most of the lots
had a sheltered bus stop.
Shiv was always interested
in the city bus services.
His dads had talked him
into getting a driver's license,
but he still preferred buses.
"Hey, you seem to like
mass transit," said Erwin.
"Has anyone told you
about the quiet shuttles?"
"No," Shiv said, curious.
"What's that all about?"
"It's a special service for
students with certain issues,
but they add extras during times
when everyone gets stressed,
like final exams," said Erwin.
"The shuttles have soft insides,
and the passengers are meant
to keep the noise level low."
"Oh, that sounds awesome,"
said Shiv. "Is there a map,
a schedule, an app? I bet
Dr. G could get me access."
"Yeah, here," Erwin said,
showing Shiv his smartphone.
"You just go to this page on
the campus website and it
has everything you'll need."
Shiv saved the web address
and sent that to Dr. G with
a cute SplatChat icon of
a kitten with huge eyes.
A quiet shuttle would be
so useful on the days when
he wanted to stab everything.
"Speaking of useful things,
I have already showed you
the food map --" Arthur began.
"Yeah, we should hit at least
some of those today, and see
what's available," Shiv said. He
recalled the heirloom tomatoes.
"Sure, we can do that," said Arthur.
"There are some other maps that
I think you would like. Here is
a dottie spotter for campus, and
this one lists disability resources
like accommodations closets and
the Accessibility Services Center
which is in the H&K Building."
"I definitely want both of
those," said Shiv. He held
out his smartphone so that
Arthur could share them.
"I have the disability one,"
said Erwin. "It's useful.
Could we go check out
the H&K Building? It says
there's a whole storeroom
of adaptive equipment, not
just a closet or portable kit."
Shiv looked around. "Yeah,
this place is big enough to need
a room for the bulky stuff such
as ergonomic desks, chairs,
and spare wheelchairs."
"We can certainly stop
there to look," said Arthur.
"I bet they have bulk fidgets,
as that's probably where they
keep all of the materials for
restocking the quiet rooms."
"I bet you're right. I've seen
a campus map of quiet rooms.
They have a lot," said Shiv.
"Good catch, Erwin, we'll go
investigate that storage room."
"I want this food map you're
going on about," said Erwin.
"You didn't get that during
orientation?" Arthur asked.
Erwin grimaced. "Most of
that got eaten up by all
of my special needs."
"Here, get your phone
so I can give you a copy,"
Arthur said, beckoning for it.
"There's food all over campus,
the healthy choices are free, and
the rest has a student discount,"
Shiv added. "The map tells you
what things go where, places
that folks can drop samples like
produce or baked goods, freebies,
discounts, price ranges, open hours,
and anything else you need to know."
Come to think of it, the campus had
a lot of resources that he could use,
especially refuges and things he
could take without needing
to ask anyone for help.
That'd make life easier here,
even if he still sucked at school.
The three of them meandered
their way around campus, poking
into places that looked interesting
or were only one of their maps.
Only once did they encounter
a door that Erwin couldn't
fit through in his wheelchair.
Frowning, Shiv ran a hand
over the doorframe. It felt
wrong to him, somehow,
but it wasn't metal so it
wouldn't tell him why.
He measured, and it
was a good half-inch
too narrow, but that
didn't make sense
either, not even for
such an old building.
He tried the laser tool,
which informed him that
the hardwood floor was
neither flat nor level.
"This hallway and both
its doors are fucked up,
but I don't know why,"
Shiv said with a shrug.
Arthur ran a hand over
the doorframe. "I think it
might be water damage,"
he said. "That can make
wood swell up and warp."
"Oh yeah, I seen that before,"
Shiv agreed. "So uh ... now what?"
Arthur had seemed confident that
NHCO was overkill, but something
needed to be done about this.
"I'll flag it on the maps and file
a report with campus maintenance,"
Arthur volunteered. "They'll fix it."
"Better you than me," said Shiv.
He was fine with measuring stuff,
but the less official paperwork
that he had to do, the better.
Eventually the three of them
reached the H&K Building.
"Where to?" Shiv wondered,
looking around the large lobby.
"The Accessibility Services Center
is in the Wellness Center," said Erwin.
"There are floor plans and lists of
facilities at the visitor station there."
That was like one of the things
you found in malls to show you
where all of the stores were.
Shiv was intrigued to spot
multiple gyms and other areas
for exercise, a swimming pool,
and a Healthy Touch suite.
It would be nice if he could
get in a bit of exercise instead
of having to come to campus
and then Buster Hump's Gym.
Maybe he should explore
this more thoroughly later.
"Okay, you guys go ahead
to the adaptive storeroom,"
said Arthur. "I need to report
that inaccessible passage
we found earlier, so I'll
catch up to you shortly."
"Fine, we'll wait for you at
the storeroom," said Erwin.
Curious, Shiv followed him,
and soon discovered that
the "storeroom" actually
consisted of several rooms
branching off from the center.
The girl minding the space
was buried in a textbook
at least three inches thick.
She glanced up at them,
noted Erwin's wheelchair
and Shiv's T-shirt, then
waved them through.
All the mobility stuff
was in one room, like
spare wheelchairs,
canes, and crutches.
All the personal stuff
was in another that
had bathing chairs,
toilet seats, and such.
The biggest things like
beds, desks, and chairs
were bundled together.
So were the small things
such as grips, straps, tapes,
tools, and kitchen equipment.
Shiv's fingers itched to try
some of the fidgets, but he
held back because they were
really here for Erwin today.
"You wanna test out some
of the spare wheelchairs?"
Shiv said. "Looks like they
got some good stuff -- I can
see sport and dance chairs."
Erwin held out a hand that
vibrated ever so faintly. "I
can't use the manual ones."
"Ah, that sucks," said Shiv.
"Do you know whether that's
permanent or might change?"
"No," Erwin said quietly.
"Nobody knows for sure."
"Okay," said Shiv. "Start with
electrics then. You need to know
which feels comfortable or not, just
in case yours decides to break down.
I can patch a manual in a pinch, but
I'm not a real mechanic and can't fix
an electric except for a loose nut
or something else really simple."
"Do I have to?" said Erwin. "I
mean, can't I just look at them?"
"Eh, it's your choice," Shiv said.
"But would you rather test them now,
or when yours is headed to a shop
and you're about to be late for class?"
Erwin heaved a sigh. "Good point,"
he grumbled, eyeing the wheelchairs.
Shiv wondered if there might be
an issue beyond Erwin feeling like
his wheelchair was part of his body.
After all, it had only been a year
and a bit since the incident, then
Erwin was stuck in the hospital
or in bed for a while after that.
Shiv looked him over and
realized that Erwin lacked
the thick arm muscles that
manual wheelers had.
Without that, transferring
would be exhausting and
maybe also embarrassing.
"Okay, don't try to do them all,"
Shiv said. "Just pick out one or
two each of manual and electric,
maybe something you've never
tried before or it looks different
from the one you're using now.
They might not have what you
want if you need to borrow one."
There were a ton of options
for Erwin to explore, and Shiv
thought he might try a few later.
There were all weights of manuals,
including all-terrain ones for wilderness,
and some for different sports such as
basketball, cycling, dancing, and racing.
The electric ones included common models
such as front, middle, and rear wheel drives
plus folding, portable, and travel ones.
They lacked only the fanciest stuff like
complex manuals, tankchairs, and
gizmos like antchairs or spiderchairs --
and he knew of a former sexbot who
had a lower half like a battle crab.
Shiv had even seen supervillains
driving tankchairs mounted with
flamethrowers or hex cannons.
Erwin had glanced at some of
the more elaborate manuals,
and was thoroughly engrossed
with the different electric ones.
Oh right, engineer, so expect him
to behave pretty much like a brain.
This could get pretty entertaining.
"Just try a few today," Shiv repeated.
"If you're staring that much, definitely
ask Simon to describe his set later,
because he has multiple models."
"They're expensive, even with
insurance and stuff," said Erwin.
"Yeah, so?" Shiv said, pointing.
"These are free for students to use,
it says that right on the sign there."
"That could be ... useful," Erwin said,
giving them another yearning look.
"Then put your butt in some seats
and figure out what-all you like so you
can consider shopping later," said Shiv.
Erwin gave him a shy smile and then
heaved himself into a lightweight manual.
Shaking his head, he transferred into
one of the sport chairs. "This is nice."
"Yeah, those are a lot more agile
than regular chairs," said Shiv.
"That kind is versatile enough
for everyday use indoors, too.
The dance ones are even lighter
and have footrests tucked in."
Erwin patted a dance chair,
but said, "Two of each type."
He was slower shifting to
the travel chair, and then
to the mid-wheel drive, before
clambering back into his own.
By then Erwin was flushed
and shaking a bit, but he was
also grinning in triumph, so
Shiv would call that a win.
"I should come back later
to test drive one at a time,"
Erwin said thoughtfully.
"Sure, we can set up
an obstacle course
for you," Shiv said.
"Obstacle course?"
Erwin said, alarmed.
"Tailored to the chair
you choose, of course,"
said Shiv. "Mostly that'll
mean cones to drive around
and such, but rugged ones
can drive over things like
rocks and tree branches.
I've done it for Simon."
He was like a damn goat
in his wilderness chair, but
no need to say that much.
"You spent all this time
watching me," said Erwin.
"Don't you want anything
for yourself? Or is this
not your kind of place?"
"I've been hankering after
the fidgets," Shiv admitted.
"It's always fun to see what
people have in different areas."
"So let's check the smalls, then,"
Erwin said, rolling toward the door.
Shiv browsed the room full of
small items. He liked things
that could do lots of jobs,
such as universal grips
or rolls of padded tape.
He found a new kind
of fidget to explore.
They were textured
like his favorite oddballs,
but they were flattened
blobs of silicone akin
to the worry stones
some folks carried.
Each bag contained
six different "stones"
plus two "dog tags"
on strings so you
could wear them.
Shiv grabbed a bag
from the big bin and
took it to the girl who
staffed the front desk.
He fished out a thin wallet
that only had his student ID
and said, "I need these."
"I'm glad that you found
something useful," she said,
scanning both bag and card.
Then she handed them back.
Shiv could get to like this.
They were browsing around
the small items again when
Arthur finally caught up to them.
"Sorry it took so long," said Arthur.
"There was a lot of paperwork, partly
because they had some problems
with water leaks this summer. They're
trying to fix it all before school starts,
but things like toilets and sinks have
to come before doors or floors."
"I can't argue with that one,"
Erwin said. "Running water
is more important to fix first. I'm
just glad that this place is open."
"Yeah, me too," said Shiv. "It
reminds me of a quote that I liked:
If we are to achieve a richer culture,
then we must weave one in which
each diverse human gift will find
a fitting place. It just ... fits."
"I wish for a world that views
disability, mental or physical,
not as a hindrance but as
unique attributes that can be
seen as powerful assets if
given the right opportunities,"
Arthur said with a smile.
"I'm not sure I'm that far
along yet," said Erwin.
"That's okay, you'll get
there eventually," said Shiv.
"So did you two find anything
good in here?" Arthur asked.
Shiv held up his fidgets and
said, "Jackpot. Erwin is just
exploring but I think he's
gotten some good ideas."
"Definitely," said Erwin. "I
like my current wheelchair,
but the others are promising."
"Are you done here, or at least
close enough?" said Arthur.
"Because there's a case of
healthy baked goods in
the Wellness Center, but
I don't know how long
that selection will last."
"I'm done," Shiv said,
and Erwin nodded too.
Things like that just kept
popping up around here.
Shiv was so used to school
being a bottomless bucket
of suck that he was honestly
surprised by how much he was
finding outside of classes that
was actually useful to him.
They followed Arthur
to the freebie area.
The bakery case was
a big glass-fronted box
like gas stations used
for displaying donuts.
Shiv looked at the labels
for Healthy Morning Glory
Breakfast Muffins as well as
Superfood Blueberry Muffins.
He sampled both of those first
and found them lightly sweet
with a rich, moist texture.
It didn't take long for him
to fill out the feedback forms.
He was definitely hooked on
the free food around campus.
"You have to try this," said Arthur,
holding out a thick slice to Erwin.
"High-Fiber Seeded Sourdough Bread?"
said Erwin. "Sure, I need all the fiber
I can get, and it's hard to find good food.
Too much of it just tastes like sawdust."
"Then it's made wrong," Shiv said as
he grabbed a slice. "Yeah, this is good.
It's suppose to taste nutty and chewy."
"It's better than anything else I've had,"
said Erwin. "How's the Earth Bread?"
"Excellent," said Arthur. "It's a kind of
zucchini bread, but it also has carrots
and raisins and pepitas inside it."
"I'll eat that," Shiv said, taking
a slice of it. He loved how it had
tasty little shreds of things, and
it was a fairly bright green.
He started packing up
some of each type in
the bags provided, along
with their recipe pages.
"Ah ... it's okay to take
some for yourself, but
we're not really supposed
to load up," Arthur said.
"Don't worry about it, I've got
this covered," Shiv explained.
Then he flipped over a spare form
and wrote a note on the blank back:
Taking extra food for teleporter friends.
Taking extra forms; will request feedback.
Taking recipes to repeat their favorites.
Thanks very much for the free eats!
Arthur read it over his shoulder
and laughed. "Well played."
"Most teleporters need to eat
way more food than average,"
Shiv explained to Erwin. "So
they usually start with nutrients
and then just cram calories. I
like to feed them some foods
that are healthy, not all fudge."
"He actually has a T-shirt
that reads, Fudge Dealer,"
Arthur said. "It's adorable."
"That sounds challenging,"
Erwin said. "It must be
hard for them to afford
so much extra food."
"Sometimes, yeah,"
said Shiv. "That's why
most soups charge extra
for using superpowers --
'cause we gotta fuckin' eat."
"Each diverse human gift has
its own costs and benefits,"
said Arthur. "It's up to us
to balance those fairly."
Shiv looked over
the half-empty case
of delicious goodies
and wondered whether
the culinary students
would like his recipes
for high-burn foods.
"I do my best," he said.
* * *
Notes:
This poem is long, so its location and content notes appear separately.
fuzzyred. It also fills the "Fresh-baked Bread / Rolls" square in my 11-1-24 card for the Sleepytime Bear Bingo fest, and the "Adaptive Equipment" square in my 9-1-24 card for the People with Disabilities Drabble Fest Bingo. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to the College Arc of the Shiv thread in the Polychrome Heroics series."Each Diverse Human Gift"
[Wednesday, August 17, 2016]
After the epic shopping trip,
Arthur had suggested that
Shiv scout out locations of
the accessibility features on
the university campus for
things he might find useful.
It seemed like a good idea,
and when they heard that
Erwin Young had planned
to do the same, Shiv was
all for them teaming up.
You never knew when
someone else might spot
an issue or opportunity
that you had overlooked.
Shiv wore a T-shirt printed,
Disability Is Diversity along
with the red shorts from
his recent shopping trip,
because he didn't want
to be overlooked today.
Erwin, however, seemed
rather baffled by something.
"What is all that?" he said.
"Utility belt?" Shiv said. "It's
only got a few bits on it since I
didn't need much, but yeah, Arthur
suggested checking accommodations
together so I brought my kit. Magnifier,
tape measure, laser thingie that's both
a sight and a level, that sorta stuff."
"I see that you've come prepared,"
Arthur said with a smirk. "I find
your competence reassuring."
"Yeah, and I've also loaded
the accessibility rules on
my smartphone, plus put
NHCO on speed dial,"
Shiv said, waving at it.
"Why would you need
NHCO?" Erwin asked.
"In case we find violations
and campus won't fix 'em,"
Shiv said, and then winced.
"But please don't make me
call NHCO. They know I'm
Clan Finn now, and it gives
them mini-panic attacks."
"Really?" Arthur said.
"What happens then?"
"Yes, really," Shiv said.
"Last week I had to call
about an awful customer,
and then the dispatcher
freaked out a bit. We've
reported a lot crappy stuff
and NHCO knows about it."
"Well, it shouldn't be a problem
today," Arthur assured him. "I
know the accessibility here is
pretty good, and if anything's
wrong, people typically fix it."
"Then hopefully I won't need this,"
Shiv said, patting his utility belt.
"So where are we going first?"
"Parking lots," said Arthur. "We
need to check all the ones closest
to the buildings that Erwin will be
using most often, to make sure
the handicap spaces are clear,
the sidewalks are traversable,
front doors are wide enough,
and elevators are working."
"Can do," Shiv said. "I've
had that training for work."
"Really?" Erwin said. "I just
got a quick skim of that stuff
when I was in the hospital."
Shiv rolled his eyes. "Then
they stiffed you," he said. "Go
to Freeman's Family Hospital
and they'll give you a better intro.
How did you not wind up there
in the first place? Because they
usually get all of the soup cases."
"They were overfull," Erwin said.
"There were a lot of casualties."
Well, hell. Freeman's was good,
but some of the other hospitals
and clinics around Omaha didn't
know their ass from their elbow.
"Fuck, tell me someone at least
taught you how to fall safely?"
Shiv said, eyeing the wheelchair.
"What?" Erwin said. "No, they
taught me to stay in the seat."
"A great big fuck no to that,"
Shiv said. "What if something
comes at your head and you
have to bail? What if it tips?"
He pulled out a business card.
"Here, call Simon, he'll sort it."
"Um, okay," said Erwin. "I
thought you said not to use
him as an example, though?"
Arthur chuckled. "Can't say
I blame him, I've seen videos."
"Simon sees every obstacle as
a challenge, and I had the blisters
to prove it," Shiv said. "But what
he doesn't know about wheelchairs
is hardly worth knowing. Call him."
"I will, and thanks for the tips,"
Erwin said. "So, parking lots?"
"Yeah, let's start with this one,"
Arthur said. "It's well located."
"Bus stops," Shiv said suddenly.
"Erwin, do you ever use buses?"
"Sure, they have buses with lifts,
and smaller shuttles," said Erwin.
"I'm in the Wheeler Diversity House,
and we've got a lift van there, too."
"Then we need to check the bus stops,"
said Shiv. "Those are supposed to have
a shelter with a seat inside, but they don't
all remember to leave a parking space
under the roof for a wheelchair. Better
to find out now than when it's raining."
Erwin stared at him. "Good point.
I wouldn't have thought of that."
"Eh, you said that you were
hurt bad enough to spend
most of your time in bed,"
said Shiv. "Now that you're
out and about again, you'll
have a chance to learn what
you need to pay attention to."
"Another fucking opportunity
for growth," Erwin grumbled.
"That's the spirit!" Shiv said,
punching the air. "Go get 'em!"
Arthur chuckled. "All right,
we'll check the bus stops too."
It took them a while, because
there were parking lots all over
campus and Erwin would need
several of them, but Arthur had
a map of their locations and
the handicapped spots.
They checked the details,
and happily most of the lots
had a sheltered bus stop.
Shiv was always interested
in the city bus services.
His dads had talked him
into getting a driver's license,
but he still preferred buses.
"Hey, you seem to like
mass transit," said Erwin.
"Has anyone told you
about the quiet shuttles?"
"No," Shiv said, curious.
"What's that all about?"
"It's a special service for
students with certain issues,
but they add extras during times
when everyone gets stressed,
like final exams," said Erwin.
"The shuttles have soft insides,
and the passengers are meant
to keep the noise level low."
"Oh, that sounds awesome,"
said Shiv. "Is there a map,
a schedule, an app? I bet
Dr. G could get me access."
"Yeah, here," Erwin said,
showing Shiv his smartphone.
"You just go to this page on
the campus website and it
has everything you'll need."
Shiv saved the web address
and sent that to Dr. G with
a cute SplatChat icon of
a kitten with huge eyes.
A quiet shuttle would be
so useful on the days when
he wanted to stab everything.
"Speaking of useful things,
I have already showed you
the food map --" Arthur began.
"Yeah, we should hit at least
some of those today, and see
what's available," Shiv said. He
recalled the heirloom tomatoes.
"Sure, we can do that," said Arthur.
"There are some other maps that
I think you would like. Here is
a dottie spotter for campus, and
this one lists disability resources
like accommodations closets and
the Accessibility Services Center
which is in the H&K Building."
"I definitely want both of
those," said Shiv. He held
out his smartphone so that
Arthur could share them.
"I have the disability one,"
said Erwin. "It's useful.
Could we go check out
the H&K Building? It says
there's a whole storeroom
of adaptive equipment, not
just a closet or portable kit."
Shiv looked around. "Yeah,
this place is big enough to need
a room for the bulky stuff such
as ergonomic desks, chairs,
and spare wheelchairs."
"We can certainly stop
there to look," said Arthur.
"I bet they have bulk fidgets,
as that's probably where they
keep all of the materials for
restocking the quiet rooms."
"I bet you're right. I've seen
a campus map of quiet rooms.
They have a lot," said Shiv.
"Good catch, Erwin, we'll go
investigate that storage room."
"I want this food map you're
going on about," said Erwin.
"You didn't get that during
orientation?" Arthur asked.
Erwin grimaced. "Most of
that got eaten up by all
of my special needs."
"Here, get your phone
so I can give you a copy,"
Arthur said, beckoning for it.
"There's food all over campus,
the healthy choices are free, and
the rest has a student discount,"
Shiv added. "The map tells you
what things go where, places
that folks can drop samples like
produce or baked goods, freebies,
discounts, price ranges, open hours,
and anything else you need to know."
Come to think of it, the campus had
a lot of resources that he could use,
especially refuges and things he
could take without needing
to ask anyone for help.
That'd make life easier here,
even if he still sucked at school.
The three of them meandered
their way around campus, poking
into places that looked interesting
or were only one of their maps.
Only once did they encounter
a door that Erwin couldn't
fit through in his wheelchair.
Frowning, Shiv ran a hand
over the doorframe. It felt
wrong to him, somehow,
but it wasn't metal so it
wouldn't tell him why.
He measured, and it
was a good half-inch
too narrow, but that
didn't make sense
either, not even for
such an old building.
He tried the laser tool,
which informed him that
the hardwood floor was
neither flat nor level.
"This hallway and both
its doors are fucked up,
but I don't know why,"
Shiv said with a shrug.
Arthur ran a hand over
the doorframe. "I think it
might be water damage,"
he said. "That can make
wood swell up and warp."
"Oh yeah, I seen that before,"
Shiv agreed. "So uh ... now what?"
Arthur had seemed confident that
NHCO was overkill, but something
needed to be done about this.
"I'll flag it on the maps and file
a report with campus maintenance,"
Arthur volunteered. "They'll fix it."
"Better you than me," said Shiv.
He was fine with measuring stuff,
but the less official paperwork
that he had to do, the better.
Eventually the three of them
reached the H&K Building.
"Where to?" Shiv wondered,
looking around the large lobby.
"The Accessibility Services Center
is in the Wellness Center," said Erwin.
"There are floor plans and lists of
facilities at the visitor station there."
That was like one of the things
you found in malls to show you
where all of the stores were.
Shiv was intrigued to spot
multiple gyms and other areas
for exercise, a swimming pool,
and a Healthy Touch suite.
It would be nice if he could
get in a bit of exercise instead
of having to come to campus
and then Buster Hump's Gym.
Maybe he should explore
this more thoroughly later.
"Okay, you guys go ahead
to the adaptive storeroom,"
said Arthur. "I need to report
that inaccessible passage
we found earlier, so I'll
catch up to you shortly."
"Fine, we'll wait for you at
the storeroom," said Erwin.
Curious, Shiv followed him,
and soon discovered that
the "storeroom" actually
consisted of several rooms
branching off from the center.
The girl minding the space
was buried in a textbook
at least three inches thick.
She glanced up at them,
noted Erwin's wheelchair
and Shiv's T-shirt, then
waved them through.
All the mobility stuff
was in one room, like
spare wheelchairs,
canes, and crutches.
All the personal stuff
was in another that
had bathing chairs,
toilet seats, and such.
The biggest things like
beds, desks, and chairs
were bundled together.
So were the small things
such as grips, straps, tapes,
tools, and kitchen equipment.
Shiv's fingers itched to try
some of the fidgets, but he
held back because they were
really here for Erwin today.
"You wanna test out some
of the spare wheelchairs?"
Shiv said. "Looks like they
got some good stuff -- I can
see sport and dance chairs."
Erwin held out a hand that
vibrated ever so faintly. "I
can't use the manual ones."
"Ah, that sucks," said Shiv.
"Do you know whether that's
permanent or might change?"
"No," Erwin said quietly.
"Nobody knows for sure."
"Okay," said Shiv. "Start with
electrics then. You need to know
which feels comfortable or not, just
in case yours decides to break down.
I can patch a manual in a pinch, but
I'm not a real mechanic and can't fix
an electric except for a loose nut
or something else really simple."
"Do I have to?" said Erwin. "I
mean, can't I just look at them?"
"Eh, it's your choice," Shiv said.
"But would you rather test them now,
or when yours is headed to a shop
and you're about to be late for class?"
Erwin heaved a sigh. "Good point,"
he grumbled, eyeing the wheelchairs.
Shiv wondered if there might be
an issue beyond Erwin feeling like
his wheelchair was part of his body.
After all, it had only been a year
and a bit since the incident, then
Erwin was stuck in the hospital
or in bed for a while after that.
Shiv looked him over and
realized that Erwin lacked
the thick arm muscles that
manual wheelers had.
Without that, transferring
would be exhausting and
maybe also embarrassing.
"Okay, don't try to do them all,"
Shiv said. "Just pick out one or
two each of manual and electric,
maybe something you've never
tried before or it looks different
from the one you're using now.
They might not have what you
want if you need to borrow one."
There were a ton of options
for Erwin to explore, and Shiv
thought he might try a few later.
There were all weights of manuals,
including all-terrain ones for wilderness,
and some for different sports such as
basketball, cycling, dancing, and racing.
The electric ones included common models
such as front, middle, and rear wheel drives
plus folding, portable, and travel ones.
They lacked only the fanciest stuff like
complex manuals, tankchairs, and
gizmos like antchairs or spiderchairs --
and he knew of a former sexbot who
had a lower half like a battle crab.
Shiv had even seen supervillains
driving tankchairs mounted with
flamethrowers or hex cannons.
Erwin had glanced at some of
the more elaborate manuals,
and was thoroughly engrossed
with the different electric ones.
Oh right, engineer, so expect him
to behave pretty much like a brain.
This could get pretty entertaining.
"Just try a few today," Shiv repeated.
"If you're staring that much, definitely
ask Simon to describe his set later,
because he has multiple models."
"They're expensive, even with
insurance and stuff," said Erwin.
"Yeah, so?" Shiv said, pointing.
"These are free for students to use,
it says that right on the sign there."
"That could be ... useful," Erwin said,
giving them another yearning look.
"Then put your butt in some seats
and figure out what-all you like so you
can consider shopping later," said Shiv.
Erwin gave him a shy smile and then
heaved himself into a lightweight manual.
Shaking his head, he transferred into
one of the sport chairs. "This is nice."
"Yeah, those are a lot more agile
than regular chairs," said Shiv.
"That kind is versatile enough
for everyday use indoors, too.
The dance ones are even lighter
and have footrests tucked in."
Erwin patted a dance chair,
but said, "Two of each type."
He was slower shifting to
the travel chair, and then
to the mid-wheel drive, before
clambering back into his own.
By then Erwin was flushed
and shaking a bit, but he was
also grinning in triumph, so
Shiv would call that a win.
"I should come back later
to test drive one at a time,"
Erwin said thoughtfully.
"Sure, we can set up
an obstacle course
for you," Shiv said.
"Obstacle course?"
Erwin said, alarmed.
"Tailored to the chair
you choose, of course,"
said Shiv. "Mostly that'll
mean cones to drive around
and such, but rugged ones
can drive over things like
rocks and tree branches.
I've done it for Simon."
He was like a damn goat
in his wilderness chair, but
no need to say that much.
"You spent all this time
watching me," said Erwin.
"Don't you want anything
for yourself? Or is this
not your kind of place?"
"I've been hankering after
the fidgets," Shiv admitted.
"It's always fun to see what
people have in different areas."
"So let's check the smalls, then,"
Erwin said, rolling toward the door.
Shiv browsed the room full of
small items. He liked things
that could do lots of jobs,
such as universal grips
or rolls of padded tape.
He found a new kind
of fidget to explore.
They were textured
like his favorite oddballs,
but they were flattened
blobs of silicone akin
to the worry stones
some folks carried.
Each bag contained
six different "stones"
plus two "dog tags"
on strings so you
could wear them.
Shiv grabbed a bag
from the big bin and
took it to the girl who
staffed the front desk.
He fished out a thin wallet
that only had his student ID
and said, "I need these."
"I'm glad that you found
something useful," she said,
scanning both bag and card.
Then she handed them back.
Shiv could get to like this.
They were browsing around
the small items again when
Arthur finally caught up to them.
"Sorry it took so long," said Arthur.
"There was a lot of paperwork, partly
because they had some problems
with water leaks this summer. They're
trying to fix it all before school starts,
but things like toilets and sinks have
to come before doors or floors."
"I can't argue with that one,"
Erwin said. "Running water
is more important to fix first. I'm
just glad that this place is open."
"Yeah, me too," said Shiv. "It
reminds me of a quote that I liked:
If we are to achieve a richer culture,
then we must weave one in which
each diverse human gift will find
a fitting place. It just ... fits."
"I wish for a world that views
disability, mental or physical,
not as a hindrance but as
unique attributes that can be
seen as powerful assets if
given the right opportunities,"
Arthur said with a smile.
"I'm not sure I'm that far
along yet," said Erwin.
"That's okay, you'll get
there eventually," said Shiv.
"So did you two find anything
good in here?" Arthur asked.
Shiv held up his fidgets and
said, "Jackpot. Erwin is just
exploring but I think he's
gotten some good ideas."
"Definitely," said Erwin. "I
like my current wheelchair,
but the others are promising."
"Are you done here, or at least
close enough?" said Arthur.
"Because there's a case of
healthy baked goods in
the Wellness Center, but
I don't know how long
that selection will last."
"I'm done," Shiv said,
and Erwin nodded too.
Things like that just kept
popping up around here.
Shiv was so used to school
being a bottomless bucket
of suck that he was honestly
surprised by how much he was
finding outside of classes that
was actually useful to him.
They followed Arthur
to the freebie area.
The bakery case was
a big glass-fronted box
like gas stations used
for displaying donuts.
Shiv looked at the labels
for Healthy Morning Glory
Breakfast Muffins as well as
Superfood Blueberry Muffins.
He sampled both of those first
and found them lightly sweet
with a rich, moist texture.
It didn't take long for him
to fill out the feedback forms.
He was definitely hooked on
the free food around campus.
"You have to try this," said Arthur,
holding out a thick slice to Erwin.
"High-Fiber Seeded Sourdough Bread?"
said Erwin. "Sure, I need all the fiber
I can get, and it's hard to find good food.
Too much of it just tastes like sawdust."
"Then it's made wrong," Shiv said as
he grabbed a slice. "Yeah, this is good.
It's suppose to taste nutty and chewy."
"It's better than anything else I've had,"
said Erwin. "How's the Earth Bread?"
"Excellent," said Arthur. "It's a kind of
zucchini bread, but it also has carrots
and raisins and pepitas inside it."
"I'll eat that," Shiv said, taking
a slice of it. He loved how it had
tasty little shreds of things, and
it was a fairly bright green.
He started packing up
some of each type in
the bags provided, along
with their recipe pages.
"Ah ... it's okay to take
some for yourself, but
we're not really supposed
to load up," Arthur said.
"Don't worry about it, I've got
this covered," Shiv explained.
Then he flipped over a spare form
and wrote a note on the blank back:
Taking extra food for teleporter friends.
Taking extra forms; will request feedback.
Taking recipes to repeat their favorites.
Thanks very much for the free eats!
Arthur read it over his shoulder
and laughed. "Well played."
"Most teleporters need to eat
way more food than average,"
Shiv explained to Erwin. "So
they usually start with nutrients
and then just cram calories. I
like to feed them some foods
that are healthy, not all fudge."
"He actually has a T-shirt
that reads, Fudge Dealer,"
Arthur said. "It's adorable."
"That sounds challenging,"
Erwin said. "It must be
hard for them to afford
so much extra food."
"Sometimes, yeah,"
said Shiv. "That's why
most soups charge extra
for using superpowers --
'cause we gotta fuckin' eat."
"Each diverse human gift has
its own costs and benefits,"
said Arthur. "It's up to us
to balance those fairly."
Shiv looked over
the half-empty case
of delicious goodies
and wondered whether
the culinary students
would like his recipes
for high-burn foods.
"I do my best," he said.
* * *
Notes:
This poem is long, so its location and content notes appear separately.
(no subject)
Date: 2026-02-03 01:10 am (UTC)May I ask which poem you consider to be the first of the College Arc? I've been rereading all of Shiv in order, wikh scattered other stories and poems (thus some comments on very random seeming older posts of yours, as I trawl for Polychrome Heroics posts). Trail markers welcome.
PS: I came across what I think is a VERY Shiv picture of some interesting sharp objects (still SFW, I think), but I wasn't sure if an image would work for a future prompt or not?
Thank you!
Date: 2026-02-03 06:03 am (UTC)Yay! :D
>> May I ask which poem you consider to be the first of the College Arc? I've been rereading all of Shiv in order, wikh scattered other stories and poems (thus some comments on very random seeming older posts of yours, as I trawl for Polychrome Heroics posts). Trail markers welcome.<<
"From the Ashes a Fire Shall Be Woken" 3-30-23 (outside fishbowl)
Story Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Summary: While visiting the University of Omaha campus for a craft club, Shiv encounters his foster brother Arthur Atwood.
"A Light from the Shadows Shall Spring" 6-9-24 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Summary: Arthur coaxes Shiv into meeting the Worldbuilding teacher.
"Renewed Shall Be Blade That Was Broken" 7-9-24 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Summary: Arthur takes Shiv through the Weber Fine Arts Building to meet some of the art teachers.
"Life Is a Crazy Ride" 8-30-24 (outside fishbowl)
Story Date: Afternoon of Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Summary: Shiv calls Dr. G to talk about college.
"Sputtering Embers" story by Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Story Date: Thursday, July 7, 2016
:: Shiv can’t contain his worries about the possibility of taking college classes, so he calls his favorite Finns. This story takes place the day after “From the Ashes a Fire Shall Be Woken,” by ysabetwordsmith. This story and the one which follows it were all sparked by a prompt during the May of 2024 Magpie Monday, given by Ysabetwordsmith herself, and sponsored by fuzzyred, with my deepest thanks. This story will post in two parts over two days, and the following story will be posted the day after that. ::
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1192196.html (Part 1)
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1192463.html (Part 2)
"Firecrafting" story by Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Story Date: Thursday, July 7, 2016
:: After a few hours of relaxing, Simon, Tolliver, and Shiv pick up the thread of conversation which erupted from the story, “Sputtering Embers.” It is strongly suggested to read that story first. (Link to part one, link to part two) Part of the Shiv and Finn Family story arcs in the Polychrome Heroics universe. This story was written as part of the May of 2024 Magpie Monday prompt call, and was inspired by the same prompt as “Sputtering Embers.” ::
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1195960.html (Part 1)
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1196216.html (Part 2)
"Between Fields of Knowledge and Experience" 7-2-24 (fishbowl)
Story Date: Morning of Friday, July 8, 2016
Summary: Shiv talks with Heron about how to organize college ideas, because the whole idea of college is just overwhelming and unexpected.
https://ysabetwordsmith.dreamwidth.org/14698375.html
"Organizing Ideas" by Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Story Date: Early afternoon, Monday July 11, 2016
:: Shiv calls Drew for help with his new notebook, recalling his help with the therapy notebook. Part of the Finn family, Shiv, Omaha, Gentle Soul, and Mercedes story arcs, all within the Polychrome Heroics universe. This story was prompted for by ysabetwordsmith for the July of 2024 Magpie Monday, and is posted for everyone to enjoy, with my deepest thanks! ::
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1207033.html (Part 1)
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1207173.html (Part 2)
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1207514.html (Part 3)
"Appropriate Gifts" story by Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
:: On a quiet day, Aidan, Drew, and Saraphina visit Simon and Tolliver, and discuss gifts to encourage Hugo’s college classes. Part of the Finn story arc, and the Good Neighbor Story arc, it should also be considered part of Shiv’s story arc, even though he’s not actually IN it. This is all part of the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
:: Written for the Magpie Monday in August 2024, this is posted for everyone to enjoy while my computer goes off to a witch doctor, or perhaps a necromancer, to revive it. ::
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1216629.html
"Pouncing on an Opportunity" story by Dialecicdreamer/Sarah Williams
Story Date: [Date to be assigned]
:: The day before the Finn party to celebrate Shiv’s college plans, he’s invited to go shopping for hiking boots with Simon and Tolliver. Written for the Feathering the Nest prompt call for September of 2024, from an idea suggested by Ysabetwordsmith. This story is integral to his current story arc, so the planned story will be 4-5K in total. ::
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1228032.html (Part 1)
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1228475.html (Part 2)
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1228768.html (Part 3)
"Gifting Traditions" story by Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Story Date: Summer 2016
:: Orla invites Shiv to the Lodge to help her with a project. When he arrives with Zipper they learn what the project is, and Shiv, or rather, “Little Lynx” is put on the spot. Literally. Written for the August prompt call, from an idea suggested by siliconshaman, with my thanks! Also, I’ll be adding a more specific date when it is determined. ::
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1219249.html (Part 1)
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1219334.html (Part 2)
"Paperwork Shuffle" story by Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Story Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2016
:: Shiv gets an unexpected letter from the Registrar’s Office, and soon decides, “Just hold on a minute--” Several years of being Finn-adjacent pay off in the ensuing confrontation. Part of the Shiv/Omaha threads of the Polychrome Heroics universe. This story was prompted by ysabetwordsmith and sponsored by the magnificent fuzzyred, with my deepest gratitude to both. ::
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1260690.html (part 1)
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1261045.html (part 2)
"An Inkling of Things to Come" 8-19-25 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Monday, August 22, 2016
Summary: Shiv attends the first day of his Worldbuilding class.
https://ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com/6765030.html
"The Intrusive Thumb of Male Privilege" 3-8-25 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Thursday, September 1, 2016
Summary: Shiv, Arthur, and several other art students deal with a football player who doesn't want to take no for an answer.
https://ysabetwordsmith.dreamwidth.org/14827528.html
"Surprising Shelter" story by Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Story Date: Friday, September 9, 2016
[Date TBD by Ysabetwordsmith, during Shiv’s first semester]
Summary: Shiv discovers the Flights of Fancy bookstore.
https://dialecticdreamer.dreamwidth.org/1309655.html
"Knitting Is a Therapeutic Activity" 4-2-25 (fishbowl spillover)
Story Date: Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Summary: When Shiv is frazzled by college, Mabel invites him to Yarn Therapy.
https://ysabetwordsmith.dreamwidth.org/15149731.html
>> PS: I came across what I think is a VERY Shiv picture of some interesting sharp objects (still SFW, I think), but I wasn't sure if an image would work for a future prompt or not? <<
Yes, image prompts are great! :D You can use that in any relevant prompt call. February 3 will be on "Books and Literacy" which isn't a great fit, but the Creative Jam this month will be "Not Giving Up" which might work.
(no subject)
Date: 2026-02-03 01:25 am (UTC)Clan Finn now, and it gives
them mini-panic attacks." <<
I am THRILLED for him.
And they deserve it.
As a professional in a public facing field, with an actual panic disorder, I will still say that it is my responsibility, on the clock, to either postpone the freak-out until AFTER I have taken the first key steps to acknowledge and address a safety or accessibility concern, or else tag out with a coworker who can cover. (Not that anyone can't have one bad day where they don't do what they should, and still get it together later. I'm not trying to generate blamefodder here.) But Terramagne call centers, especially NHCO, *should* be very prepared for swapping out people on rough calls coming in, *in their core field*, as needed. (Unlike L-America, where covering someone / finding coverage means already assigned stuff doesn't get done, and can STILL be either unsafe or unavailable *most* of the time, because this society has decided to chuck resilience in the forms of redundancy and flexibility both right out through the *single-pane* glass window.)
Tangent... You know what? I think my bosses think I don't care enough about completing professional development tasks ***because my bullshit-dar is too good.*** Among other things. The motivation and work habits needed for getting through crap is very different from the motivation for work that *actually* improving professional practice. But they *call* it all the latter.
All of which is to say, Shiv is probably good for NHCO the way my disruptive students with concerned parents are good for me!
And, lucky them, they are looking at a *reasonable* scale of consequences for any time they are not doing their jobs correctly. Despite the pants-pissing terror. Yes, Dr. G is terrifying, but he also routinely does the equivalent of easing *off* pressure of the wrestling pin when the desired outcome starts happening. Boss Finn, though...well. Everyone is very lucky her Sankofa home caught her and she didn't go black cape.
<3
Thoughts
Date: 2026-02-03 05:41 am (UTC)And they deserve it.<<
Yay! :D
>> As a professional in a public facing field, with an actual panic disorder, I will still say that it is my responsibility, on the clock, to either postpone the freak-out until AFTER I have taken the first key steps to acknowledge and address a safety or accessibility concern, or else tag out with a coworker who can cover.<<
Ideally, yes. In most situations, it works, particularly in Terramagne.
The issue with Clan Finn and NHCO is a bit unavoidable, though. Finns have repeatedly unearthed situations that take months or years to hash through. Even though NHCO is reasonably well funded and staffed, the prospect of that much extra work suddenly landing on them is alarming. Skill lets them quash that down to a "mini" response.
>> But Terramagne call centers, especially NHCO, *should* be very prepared for swapping out people on rough calls coming in, *in their core field*, as needed.<<
In general they are. It's just that everyone there knows about the Finns, because those big blowup cases often become part of the news and training. Not everyone freaks out over a Finn call, but some do.
>> (Unlike L-America, where covering someone / finding coverage means already assigned stuff doesn't get done, and can STILL be either unsafe or unavailable *most* of the time, because this society has decided to chuck resilience in the forms of redundancy and flexibility both right out through the *single-pane* glass window.) <<
Yeah, it's a wreck here.
>> Tangent... You know what? I think my bosses think I don't care enough about completing professional development tasks ***because my bullshit-dar is too good.*** Among other things. The motivation and work habits needed for getting through crap is very different from the motivation for work that *actually* improving professional practice. But they *call* it all the latter.<<
My low bullshit tolerance is a major reason why I don't work in the mainstream job market. I'm simply incompatible. I'm not going to cover for other people's inability to do their jobs, I have little patience for stupidity and poor design, nobody's going to put up with that for long.
>>All of which is to say, Shiv is probably good for NHCO the way my disruptive students with concerned parents are good for me!<<
Possibly true.
>> And, lucky them, they are looking at a *reasonable* scale of consequences for any time they are not doing their jobs correctly. Despite the pants-pissing terror. Yes, Dr. G is terrifying, but he also routinely does the equivalent of easing *off* pressure of the wrestling pin when the desired outcome starts happening. <<
I haven't seen NHCO fail to do their job. Just sometimes they're audibly distressed.
>> Boss Finn, though...well. Everyone is very lucky her Sankofa home caught her and she didn't go black cape.<<
*every supervillain nods*
(no subject)
Date: 2026-02-03 01:28 am (UTC)for growth," Erwin grumbled.
"That's the spirit!" Shiv said,
punching the air. "Go get 'em!" <<
*laughing* Me and you both, Shiv. And Erwin. That's it exactly.
I *love* that Shiv is now in a place where he can recognize and cheer on someone *else* who is in the 'well, this chance at a life lesson SUCKS' phase he was in for so much of his prison time! He's come SO FAR!
Thank you!
Date: 2026-02-03 02:59 am (UTC)Been there, felt that.
>> I *love* that Shiv is now in a place where he can recognize and cheer on someone *else* who is in the 'well, this chance at a life lesson SUCKS' phase he was in for so much of his prison time! He's come SO FAR! <<
Yay! I think that's the big appeal of Shiv at this stage in his life, especially the college arc. We get to see him using skills he has learned, and doing things he couldn't have done a year or two ago.
(no subject)
Date: 2026-02-03 01:31 am (UTC)"But would you rather test them now,
or when yours is headed to a shop
and you're about to be late for class?"<<
And there it is. Shiv is a credit to the Finn family education and problem-solving style, by now.
Yes ...
Date: 2026-02-03 02:57 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2026-02-03 01:36 am (UTC)of fidget to explore.
They were textured
like his favorite oddballs,
but they were flattened
blobs of silicone akin
to the worry stones
some folks carried. "
CACKLING at the synchronicity. I was browsing this EXACT thing today.
Though I think I'm going to get my class of kiddos a batch of real worry *stones* to choose from, first, because most of them probably don't know how to befriend a rock yet.
Thank you!
Date: 2026-02-03 02:56 am (UTC):D That is so cool.
>> Though I think I'm going to get my class of kiddos a batch of real worry *stones* to choose from, first, because most of them probably don't know how to befriend a rock yet.<<
Onyx and jasper are excellent options, affordable and friendly. Sometimes you can find quartz in various colors. Snowflake obsidian is good for grounding and balance; white howlite is ideal for calm and clarity. Even for people who don't believe in stone magic, a worry stone can serve as a tangible reminder, like an affirmation you can touch. Some also have a word or symbol carved on them, but those usually don't have the smooth hollow of a true worry stone.