The more you examine a wrinkle, the deeper it looks, as if it’s soaking up all the existential dread you pour into it. Bertie Allison presents episode #4.

Is shade really the relief we think it is? In this witty and relatable column, Bertie explores the myth of shade during a brutal summer and why we keep believing it’ll save us, even when it’s 112 degrees outside. Spoiler: it won’t.

In this episode, Bertie dives into the everyday struggle of taking a moral stand when life doesn’t give you solid ground. Using humor and reflection, she talks about how to make a stand with the mismatched pebbles of our daily choices—those small, imperfect moments of virtue—and why a wobbly stand might be just enough.

A humorous take on society's tendency to over-praise everyday tasks, blurring the line between basic self-care and true heroism.

Performed by Bertie Allison.