Alexa Daskalakis
Notes on what it means to be human—
written from the edge of time, memory and silence.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EXISTENCE
Terms and Conditions of Existence
Effective Date: Upon first breath.
User: [Redacted] (hereafter referred to as “You”)
Provider: The System
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1. Acceptance of Terms
By continuing to breathe, You agree to all terms, including those not yet revealed, those misunderstood, and those that contradict themselves mid-sentence.
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2. Duration
This agreement remains in effect until expiration, sudden disappearance, or soft forgetting.
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3. Services Provided
• Occasional joy
• Routine discomfort
• Fragmented understanding of others
• Emotional storms not covered by warranty
Note: Provider reserves the right to suspend all services without warning, especially after age 28.
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4. Modifications
Your shape, thoughts, alliances, and sense of self will be updated without your consent.
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5. No Refunds
You may request to return to earlier versions of yourself. This request will be acknowledged with silence.
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6. Memory Clause
Memories may be tampered with by nostalgia, shame, or time dilation. Nothing is admissible.
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7. Love
Offered intermittently. Often mispackaged. May resemble hunger, control, fear, or forgiveness. Use with caution. Non-transferable.
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8. Loss
Included by default. Cannot be opted out of. Early exposure may occur.
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9. Understanding
Not guaranteed. Most users will experience persistent confusion and make peace with it under Section 12 (“Denial”).
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10. Termination
Termination occurs through death, obscurity, or total detachment. Whichever comes first.
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BY CONTINUING, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE:
You will be misunderstood.
You will not be able to explain yourself clearly.
You will leave behind versions of you in other people’s memories that are legally distinct from who you actually were.
Scroll to agree.
☐ I have read and accept the terms.
☐ I understand the terms. (You may only check one.)
Disclaimer: This is a work of creative writing. It is not legal advice, nor is it intended to mock, diagnose, or target any individual or belief system.