Using my arms like a surface-seeking swimmer, I shot up past a severed length of ancient sewer pipe and a bright green sliver of a child’s swimming pool from fifty years prior.
—
And exploded up into the narrow passageway between the jasmine-covered fence and my charge’s house.
Here were the Mels, fast asleep in each other’s arms.
Ugh, still here, said G., startling awake.
Tired of waiting, said R.
For him, said G.
Who always disrespected us, said R.
Even as he depended upon us, said G.
Pompous ass, said R.
Arrogant prick, said G.
Language, friend, said R. to G. Lady present.
Language, friend, said G. to R. Lady present.
Speaking of which, said R.
Don’t you have a roast to cook? G. said to me.
A car to start? said R.
And kaboom? said G.
Body parts fly across the yard? said R.
Of your trashy little duplex? said G.
Which was, in a world full of mansions and villas, said R.
All you two lovebirds ever got? said G.
Poor thing, said R. Briefest of marriage, zero kids, lived in a hovel.
Not even a slight mark on dear old Earth did you leave, saidG.
Although, rumor has it, said R. Bun in your oven.
I stepped over, gave R. a kick, a hard kick, then G., harder still, as hard as I could, and then, to even things up, went back and gave R. a supplementary kick.
Oh, but we areinevitable,G. said whiningly.Inevitable occurrences.Aren’t we?
Who else could we havebeenbut who weare? said R.
So why would youkick us? said G.
Why assault us so, when we arelavishly jailed? said R.
Niceelevation,sis, said G.
