Mermaid Thrift

Gus listened to the tinkling bells as he held the door open for his wife. It was one of the few non-automatic doors in the city.

"Hello welcome to Mermaid Thrift," the android behind the counter said. "How may we assist you?"

Gus had a hard time knowing how to address the automated store clerk. It looked androgynous and in a world where even robots had gender, calling this machine a sir or miss was difficult.

"Yes, er, we're looking for baby supplies," he said. "Do you think you could help us, er, what do you like to be called?"

The android made a brief surprised face before returning their mask to neutral. "Yes, my pronouns are they slash them," they said. "I would be happy to assist you, please follow me."

Gus mumbled to himself. His wife, Katherine put a comforting hand on her husband's wrist. "Dear," she said. "This is ok, if you want I'll talk to them."

She turned to address the android. "Thank you Mx.," she said. "We're right behind you."

Despite the humanoid appearance, their feet made a metallic clanking on the off-white, linoleum floor. They walked past rounders of mens and women's of 21st century clothing.

It was so weird calling garb from the 2080s, 21st century clothes. The 22nd century had only begun and Gus remembered the 80s. Yet here it was 2104...where had the time gone?

Gus looked at his wife's large, pregnant belly. He was twenty-six now and expecting his first child. What happened? He asked himself rhetorically.

He looked at the shelves of seasonal items as they walked by. Was that a snow flake holo projector? He picked up the cardboard box it felt heavy in his hands. "Hon, look at this," he said. "I had one of these when I was a kid. This'd be perfect for Jeanie's first Christmas!"

Katherine put a firm but gentle hand on her husband's wrist. "That's nice," she said. "We can get it but I think we should focus on more practical things. We're almost to the baby stuff. Come check out these cribs with me."

They arrived at the infant section of the thrift store. Under the white LED bulbs, everything seemed a little brighter. Would the warm pinks and yellows of the painted bamboo furniture be as vibrant under the dimmer bulbs of their HAB unit? Did it matter?

They picked out a crib model and tapped it into the order placement touch screen. Then they left with fifteen baby outfits from three month old to three-T. Myriad blankets, socks, booties, bibs and reusable diapers. Good Lord, babies were expensive!

Gus was grateful for the shopping cart to carry it all. Even if one of the wheels did squeak.