From desolate wasteland to crumbling society to the deep, cold void of space, Respirator collects visions of the future that pierce the veils of time and space to show us an evolving, perseverant human grace as it faces off against the unknown. Across 28 short stories and poems, Addison Herron-Wheeler presents dystopian tomorrows, poisoned environments, and interstellar explorations through bold speculative snapshots and intimate portraits of human kindness, desperation, and deceit. With each, a common question is posed: Are we brave enough to confront the challenges of the future without losing ourselves along the way?