The Aloe Papers
SliceWarm, Witty, Gentle Humor3 audio scenes
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1 chapter • 3 scenes
Summary
In December 1857, struggling Brooklyn illustrator Joseph Gayetty discovers his wealthy neighbors have been stealing his botanical sketches for an embarrassing purpose, and transforms his humiliation by inventing America's first commercial toilet paper—medicated sheets watermarked with his name on every single one.
Characters
Eleanor Pearce
Joseph Gayetty
Settings
Joseph's Studio Apartment
A small third-floor walk-up in Brooklyn Heights, cramped but organized with military precision. Drafts whistle through window frames in December, and the room smells of ink, graphite, and the peculiar blend of pride and desperation that fills spaces where impossible dreams are kept alive on too little money.
The Shared Alleyway
A narrow dirt passage between Joseph's building and Eleanor's brownstone, where garbage bins collect secrets along with refuse. In winter, the mud freezes into treacherous ruts, and morning light barely penetrates the brick walls that loom three stories up on either side.
Story Structure
1
Ki - The Missing Sketches
Joseph discovers his discarded botanical sketches are disappearing from the alley, and his dignity as an artist feels violated by what he imagines must be theft.
1
The Vanishing Art
Joseph discovers his discarded botanical sketches are disappearing from the alley and becomes consumed by the mystery, interpreting it as a violation of his artistic dignity.
1
The Morning Rejection
Joseph prepares to discard his latest rejected botanical sketches, his pride wounded by another refusal from the publisher.
2
The First Disappearance
Joseph discovers his discarded sketches are disappearing, and his mind begins constructing explanations that protect his wounded pride.
- Story ID
- story_34s0nfvtcGZeL_JI
- Created
- January 12, 2026
- Art Style
- watercolor (traditional)
- Status
- published
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