In the Altered States of America, warped perceptions are king and melodrama runs high. In this original series from Brooklyn-based illustrator Mike Reddy and writer Matthew Newton, a new short story is published each day throughout the month of July.
Susie had been sitting in a wet diaper for nearly two hours when her parents finally took note. “Look dear, she must want a cigarette.” Susie’s eye widened as her mother walked toward her, cigarette in hand. She spit out the smoking butt and sobbed. “I just don’t understand this child!” her mother screamed, storming off. Susie’s face turned red and then purple. She snorted and tried to catch her breath. Spit dribbled from her mouth and splashed across her cheek. “What’s the matter with my little girl?” her father asked. He looked at her and smiled, stroked her cheek with his fingers. Susie cooed at him and clapped her hands. He shook her favorite rattle and she chuckled. “Are you coming!?” Susie’s mother yelled from the bedroom. “Yes dear,” her father said. He plugged a pacifier into Susie’s mouth and wrapped a rubber band around her head to keep it from falling out. He stared at her for a moment and she stared back. Then he poured another glass of wine, turned out the lights, and went to bed.
