Canberra, 2026

Simone entered the kitchen, hips swaying. ‘House goddess’ – this was her walking style. David had selected it, online. He sat at the bench, sipping dirt brown breakfast coffee, reflecting on his empty life. Summed up, it was this: dead parents, no children, and a 52 year old ex-wife, Elise, who had left him for her pretty, female, 23 year old yoga instructor.