Even Kingdoms Adapt

Morning came, blood and cardboard. Frank woke with seizure memory still trembling in his muscles. Martha sat cross-legged on her milk crate throne, wrapped in blue tarp, clear-eyed today.

The court gathered—Duke, Wizard, Princess Ruby with purple yarn braided into her hair. A man with a clipboard approached, offering programs, vouchers, medicine. Martha granted audience.

The kingdom had survived on wariness, but winter approached. Frank's seizures worsened. Ruby's cough lingered. Even kingdoms must adapt.

The man left his card. Martha tucked a bent dandelion behind her ear. Queen in her crown.

Court is in session.