“A sense of release hovered at the end of those wires—freedom.”

Cinder removes a mechanical foot that is uncomfortable because the fit is too small—a foot she wore for four years. As both a cyborg and a legal ward of her stepmother, Adri, Cinder lacks freedom in her life. Both society and her stepmother view her as more machine than human, resulting in Cinder having fewer rights than humans enjoy. Similar to the tale of “Cinderella,” the money Cinder earns as a mechanic goes to Adri, who always has a list of tasks to keep Cinder busy.

“‘It’s not like wires are contagious,’ Cinder muttered to her empty booth.” 

Cinder works as a mechanic at the weekly market, where the baker, Chang Sacha, also has a booth. Chang Sacha’s son gets too close to Cinder’s booth. His mother retrieves him before he gets any closer to Cinder because she is a cyborg. The “contagious” comment possesses special meaning due to fear of the plague, or letumosis, which is a central part of this story. Chang Sacha treats Cinder as if she is infected with the plague because she is a cyborg. 

“Perhaps I will have to sell both of you off as spare parts.” 

Cinder’s stepmother, Adri, reflects the societal belief that cyborgs and androids lack value beyond their service to humans and their monetary value. Adri threatens to sell Cinder and