diff --git a/core/meta.py b/core/meta.py
index 7377cc0..4f6a9b5 100644
--- a/core/meta.py
+++ b/core/meta.py
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ from typing import Union
 from little_boxes import activitypub as ap
 
 _SubQuery = Dict[str, Any]
-_Meta = Dict["MetaKey", Any]
 
 
 @unique
diff --git a/core/shared.py b/core/shared.py
index e7990c2..404a64a 100644
--- a/core/shared.py
+++ b/core/shared.py
@@ -146,11 +146,11 @@ def _build_thread(data, include_children=True, query=None):  # noqa: C901
         query = {}
     data["_requested"] = True
     app.logger.info(f"_build_thread({data!r})")
-    root_id = data["meta"].get(MetaKey.THREAD_ROOT_PARENT.value)
-    if not root_id:
-        root_id = data["meta"].get(MetaKey.OBJECT_ID.value)
-    if not root_id:
-        root_id = data["remote_id"]
+    root_id = (
+        data["meta"].get(MetaKey.THREAD_ROOT_PARENT.value)
+        or data["meta"].get(MetaKey.OBJECT_ID.value)
+        or data["remote_id"]
+    )
 
     replies = [data]
     for dat in find_activities(