Remarkably Bright Creatures

by Shelby Van Pelt

Always expect the unexpected, child,

Ah, to be a human, for whom bliss can be achieved by mere ignorance!

The father is a cuckold. One of my favorite human words, I must admit.

That is always an easy tell. Humans walk alike (or, in this case, unalike) far more than they realize.

Humans are the only species who subvert truth for their own entertainment.

But the family tree stopped growing long ago, its canopy thinned and frayed, not a single sap springing from the old rotting trunk.

Entering someone’s home is always an intimate act.

Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.