Here in this world, we get billed for gas, electricity, credit cards, and existing.

I know that existing used to be free, but now THEcorp owns everything. Their logo is on the top of every invoice ones gets, from itty-bitty purchases at boutiques to restaurant tabs to gas and electricity bills. Unlike in the past, where we believed the consumer was always right, now we know better. Now THEcorp just puts away all the bullshit and reminds us why we even exist – because they exist.

The price of living (if you will pardon the pun) has shot up dramatically over the past few years. Just like when there were other scarcities, we learned to ration. Instead of turning off all lights until they were absolutely necessary and taking cold showers, we began to reason: which parts of our bodies did we need most at which times? Most people rationed down to head, hands, and feet. The rich and famous (especially actors, supermodels, and sports stars) were always full-bodied, of course, but the rest of us were limited to only what was necessary.

It’s funny, actually. A lot of photographer’s models are known as “parts models” because their delicate hands or long legs or gorgeous eyes were used most in their art. Now, however, that’s taken more literally… a lot of parts models just exist as a pair of eyes or hands or legs.

But I digress. Now, just because part of us was visible and functioning didn't mean it was hodgepodged together, or couldn't function without our organs. There are plenty of headless and bodiless commuters on the subway, just pairs of feet and hands filling up the floor and clutching various railings. You get used to the gaps between body parts surprisingly quickly, but I suppose anything that becomes daily routine one can get used to quickly.

The other thing is being headless. It's kind of bizarre, because you can't really see, or smell, or hear, or even think all that great if you're not paying for your head, or at least your brain, mouth (tongue and voice box optional), eyes, and ears. I've seen floating brains before; they're protected by something, and insured by THEcorp, so one could function as just a floating brain and possibly a pair of hands. But when you're commuting by hands and feet, you learn Braille really fast.

God, speaking of commuting... I remember how much I loved to flirt on the subway and bus. It's so sad to think that the only people who can afford to commute with their heads on probably just own cars and can also pay for gas. But I suppose it's good in a way... bums who can't afford to exist just don't anymore, and there's less awkward staring and fighting over "looking at someone's girl". It's mostly just feet tripping over each other and hands accidentally slapping or pinching other hands... but with no mouth to argue and no way to tell who did it, why bother fighting?

There are some situations where parts of the body are necessary, like needing most of the head for school, eyes (and possibly mouth) for sports events, and the entire body for clothes shopping. Actually, clothes shopping has become kind of obsolete… shoes and socks are the most popular things, followed by rings and toe rings. Gloves have made a huge comeback, and nail polish is starting to be used by both genders. In the end, anything to do with the torso or legs is pointless except for specific events where one wishes to be full bodied – dates, parties, et cetera.

Some people do save their money for special events like parties and balls, first dates, anniversaries, birthdays, and so forth, but even then it’s only for those with a steady income who won’t be set back by it.

Me, I save my money for just one situation and one alone that many in my generation prefer over soirees and such: sex.

It’s not just my sexual organs that I buy (unless I’m just having a casual fuck). When I’m with someone I truly love, I put out – pun intended. He (or she, for that matter) gets all of me, every lock of hair, both quivering breasts, every delicate digit and so forth. And if he’s not willing to do the same for me, I don’t bother doing it for him.

I guess some things never change. Being in a relationship costs more than anything, but it always feels worth it.