The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

by Emma Knight

thinks it’s selfish or unnatural anymore. Things have changed.” “It would be lovely if that were true,” said Margot. She sounded almost sad, as if she had hoped Pen would understand and was disappointed that she did not. “I hope for your sake it is.” “And failing that, the best option is never to fall in love, and never to have children?” Pen asked, a bit defensively. “God, I hope not.” Margot’s voice was softer. “Well, what then?” Margot turned to her with a look that was nearly tender. “The only way is to make peace with yourself.” Pen looked back at the tank. Slowly, rhythmically, her supple body twisting and billowing like smoke, the octopus emerged from her hiding place. Her skin, which had taken on the color and pattern of the rocks, now turned a brilliant red. Her eight long, tapered arms with their gleaming rows of suckers looked strong and flexible enough to choke a person to death. Each arm moved with perfect grace, independent of the others. They watched her for a long time, as if hypnotized. “The octopus is quite intelligent, isn’t it?” Pen asked. Margot turned to meet Pen’s eyes. “The octopus is the most intelligent animal on the planet without a backbone.”