Even as this intruder sits in my room, hanging on to my every word. I was young; now I am old. My stupid hands. They’re shaking again. How many little tapes have I filled? Ten now, each nicely numbered. I crown the existing stack with the newest one. It clatters when it strikes its sisters. Slight wobble. In the darkness of my sitting room, the professor applauds. “Original.” She sounds amused. “This is the first I’ve heard of the jellyfish invasion. And I’ve combed those beaches in my studies, so to speak.” Does she think I’m lying? “But no, I don’t doubt you for a second. You were there, with your very unique way of seeing. It’s refreshing…your empathy with the natural world.” “Stranger things have yet to be mentioned, Professor.” “And I look forward to hearing about them. About everything, actually. Warts and welts and all. Spare no detail.” I don’t see her smile but hear it animating her voice, giving it a forced note of intimacy. Suddenly I’m seized by a feeling of dread.
