Jose came home through the solar-system-wide teleporter his employer had installed.

  He rarely stepped outside.

  “How are you?” he asked his wife, Cynthia.

  “Exhausted! I was on my feet all day. I don’t have that instant commute like some people.”

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Right, but I thought you loved working outside as a park ranger?”

  “Oh, I do! Even more so lately…”

  “Oh yeah? I heard it’s getting oppressive out there. Since they passed that Big Sentry Budget, it’s crawling with enforcer robots.”

  “About time! I’ve been so afraid of getting mugged!”

  “Police state!” He frowned.

  “Finally, safer!” She stared back at him.