rubbery noir
I lived in a building with 8 other people. Not just 8 people, but those with whom I shared blood, sweat, and irritability en masse. It was not a premeditated state I assure you, but life had a way of happening.

I watched my cousin Caro prop himself against the door jam, take a pull of flux, and close his eyes in relief.
How many times had I adopted such a posture?
How many times did I fight enough stress to warrant it?
I did not doubt that were we to switch lives I would buckle with a snap.

Flux.
The mint-like cartridge you popped in a wand, melted, and inhaled.
It was sweet, brisk, and healthful; or so they said.
Often I wondered who "they" were. Not an uncommon thought by any means, but very few seemed to have the answer.
In any case I loved the stuff.
Hot and cool at the same time, it woke you up while calming you down.
Made life easy.