The Mountain in the Sea

by Ray Nayler

Outside our bodies, there is no pain. Pain is something we create.

I had thought of myself as someone who cares for everything, and cares too much—but in fact I only cared for some things. Other things, I discarded.

I think what we fear most about finding a mind equal to our own, but of another species, is that they will truly see us—and find us lacking, and turn away from us in disgust.