Identify

Written 57-B17 [2025-09-03], Edited 57-B17 [2025-09-03]

Image credit: Twitter Twemoji

The scroll of identify was one of the most iconic items in NetHack - a sheet of paper which, when read, would reveal the true nature of an item previously only known by its shallow appearance.

But as Michael found when he left the confines of his so-called “basement apartment”, the world of flesh was not as clear-cut as the digital dungeon. Even the phrase “basement apartment” seemed like a failure of identification. On Kijiji the place had been listed as an apartment, no “if"s "and"s or "but"s.

When Micheal first arrived to the sleepy suburb and didn’t see a high rise along the entire street, he was disappointed to say the least. But he still signed on the dotted line.

That was years ago, and now Micheal was climbing up the stairs, into the light of day. Every day it got less annoying, as disappointment faded into acceptance.

Notes

This was written in 5 minutes during a Joy of Writing meetup.