8.14.25: True Patriot

You wake up and your fridge screen says you’re 18% below your monthly patriotism quota. That’s weird, since you saluted during the anthem ad and liked three government-approved posts yesterday. But maybe your blink rate was too slow. You tap “Appeal.” A drone appears 42 seconds later. It’s polite. Efficient. Cold. “Please verify your gratitude,” it says. You smile, wide and rehearsed. “I love my country,” you say, voice a little hoarse. It scans your vitals. You try not to sweat. The drone hums. “Accepted,” it chirps. You exhale. For now, you’re safe.