Kitty Kat

“Kat Summers?”

A tall woman with red hair and flushed, freckled cheeks approached the desk. She had been dreading this day her whole life. “That’s me.”

“Excellent. Do you have written consent to attend this meeting without a male family member present?” the stuffy man asked.

“Yes, sir.” Kat handed the man the consent form.

He stood up from his office chair. “Ms. Summers, if you would just follow me please.”

He brought her down a long hallway. The yellow lights flickered slightly as she walked by. Kat snuck glances into rooms she passed. Every room had the same white door, and inside was always the same desk and two chairs. Some were open and empty. Most were sealed shut. Through the door window, she could see women having their Activation Orientation. Kat wondered if they were all as freaked out as her.

“Next door on your left, please,” the man said.

Kat walked into the room. Same as all the others. She took a seat, and the man got situated behind the desk.

“Ms. Summers, could you confirm your age for me?” He shifted his eyes toward her.

“I turned 21 today,” Kat replied.

“Thank you, and happy birthday! Have any fun plans?” he asked, smiling.

“Oh, just spend time with family I think.” Kat could feel her heart in her throat.

“Family time is the best time. Now, let’s get to it.” The man pulled up a script on his monitor. “As you likely know, your 21st birthday marks the beginning of a magical new chapter in your life. As is mandated in the 28th Amendment, women at your age are automatically deemed “Active” within The Femme Adoption Registry. You completed initial registration into the system at 18, yes?”

“Yes, sir.” Kat had never felt this bored and anxious at the same time.

“Wonderful to hear. At noon today, the account you made at 18 will become publicly viewable in the Registry, and can be accessed by any interested parties via our online portal,” the man droned on.

Kat knew men. She knew they weren’t all the great leaders they taught her about in school. Many were arrogant, immature, even cruel. They so often seemed self-interested and narrow-minded. Women were to respect men, and yet some so clearly did not deserve it.

“Any applications will of course be sent to your father or current guardian for review. It is up to the guardian and inquirer to determine fair compensation; however, Article 6, paragraph 9 of the Femme Compensation Act stipulates a minimum of $400 in value be exchanged,” he continued.

Kat also knew a lot of women in her life who were patient, generous, and thoughtful. She had watched her own mother hold the household together while Dad worked. Her grandmother was one of the wisest people she’d ever met.

Maybe it was true that the average man was superior to the average woman, but most people aren’t average. It certainly didn’t mean that all men were superior. Kat could see that with her own two eyes. There was no way even half the men on campus were better than her.

“Inquirers can also apply in person at your guardian’s discretion.” The man’s monotone voice was almost soothing. As if nothing spoken so flatly could be horrifying.

Kat knew it wasn’t her place to question laws. She just wished the laws were designed more carefully. The system was designed so that all a man had to own you was impress whatever man was in charge of you. That was it. It was harder to qualify for a loan than it was to qualify to adopt a woman.

“…And it says here your current guardian is your father, a Mr. Greg Summers. Does all that information still sound correct?”

Kat blinked. She hadn’t realized she’d been zoned out. “Uh, yes, sir. That’s right.”

Kat felt grateful her father was a reasonable and intelligent man. He wouldn’t just give her away to the first bum who asked, and he wouldn’t just sell her to the highest bidder. He’d only tolerate a real man being his son-in-law. A man who would treat Kat fairly. She would eventually be going to a good home to serve a man worthy of her. Still, as much as Kat tried, the thought wasn’t comforting to her. She could only continue to hope that reality was still years away.

“Alright, that should just about do it. Do you have any questions?” the stuffy man asked.

“No, sir,” she replied.

The man stood up and opened the door for her. “Fantastic. The Bureau of Feminine Affairs thanks you for your cooperation, Ms. Summers. And if you don’t mind my saying, you really needn’t look so worried. I am quite sure there will be considerable interest in your profile.”

“Oh. Yes. Thank you, sir.” She forced a smile.

“Yes, yes. Have a splendid day, Ms. Summers.” The man smiled back.

Kat hurried down the hallway, and out the front door. She had a busy day ahead of her. She checked the clock in the car as she started it. 8:30 a.m. She was making good time. Once she was home, she just had to finish her brother’s laundry and the dishes. Then she could head to class. Kat drove away praying she’d never see this place ever again.