The World We Make

Content Warning: This section references xenophobia and racism, including slurs and racist violence. There are also allusions to anti-gay/anti-queer sentiment.

The unnamed primary avatar of New York City introduces himself as Neek: “NYC, only pronounce the Y like ‘ee,’ not ‘why’” (9). He muses on the ever-changing nature of cities and explains that three months have passed since the avatars’ last confrontation with R’lyeh, who is still hovering above Staten Island and trying to control the city. Her tactics include broadcasting a nightmarish song that causes individuals to think xenophobic or violent thoughts. However, the residents of New York respond by making their own noise in response, drowning out R’lyeh’s song.

Neek contemplates the changes that he and the others have undergone since becoming avatars. While they no longer need to eat or sleep, most of them still live normal human lives, continuing to work jobs and attend classes. Out of concern for Neek not having a house, Manny has begun renting a five-bedroom place in Harlem. In addition to Manny and Neek, Bel (Manny’s original roommate) and Veneza (the avatar of Jersey City) live there. Neek enjoys his newfound luxuries but confesses that he frequently spends nights exploring the city.