Judgement

 

One of the many things he loved about living in the woods was the absence of other humans.

Thinking back on his working life, it amazed him that he’d survived without going completely crazy.

Humans are noisy, dramatic, petty, nosy creatures. It was exhausting figuring out what his actions or reactions should be from day to day, because it depended on nothing except the whimsy and emotions of the humans around him.

At least here in the forest, animals and plants were straightforward and predictable. They had no agenda and assessed no judgements.

Then, he looked down and saw it.

Apology

 

Staring into the lit candle, she whispered, “I’m so sorry, Gomez.”

She heard him, right next to her, softly into her ear. “It’s OK, my angel.”

“No, it’s not” she was almost in tears. “I timed this trip so I could be on a beautiful beach in Costa Rica on your birthday. So *we* could be on a beautiful beach in Costa Rica on your birthday. I booked it over a year ago, and then that stupid winter storm shut down the airport and I couldn’t go.”

“It’s really OK, Caramia. I’m there now. You’re right. It’s beautiful.”

“You asshole.”