Opening the Box

 

“Shiara, I don’t know if I can do this!” Geo said  “I am so excited!”

 

“So am I!  C’mon!  Open it!”

 

He pulled on the handle on the front of the box, and peeked inside. 

 

Inside the box was a couch.

 

“It’s a couch,” he said.  “A couch.” He looked up at her blankly. “A couch?"

 

He looked in again, to make absolutely sure.  Inside the box was a plush black velvet sofa of the overstuffed variety, with a little round black foot at each corner.  Its fabric was so deep and dark, it was reminiscent of the Nothingness Geo had seen through the door before the Big Bang.

 

“A couch is… okay…” he said, “now I guess I am back in business for therapy.  If I had my pick, I think I might have chosen a toilet at this point, all things considered—“

 

“Sorry to disappoint,” said a deep, velvety voice from inside the box.  “Although you might be able to use me as a toilet, I would prefer that you didn’t.  There are a lot more useful ways in which I can help you.”

 

Geo and Shiara stared at the box.  They were both speechless.  Was the voice coming from the box?  From the couch?

 

I’ve snapped, thought Geo.  It can happen to anyone.  I’ve been through too much, and I am all alone.  I’ve watched my whole world burn up, and I’ve walked through a doorway and onto another planet.  Another Planet!  Oh god!  Maybe in reality, I am locked up in a hospital somewhere… somewhere!  I wouldn’t even know which planet!

 

“Is this a joke?” asked Geo.  “Shiara, did you hear a voice coming from this box?”

 

“There is a voice coming from the box, Geo.”  Shiara was thinking she might be crazy, too.

 

“Do you mind if I stretch?” said the deep voice.  “Being cooped-up always makes me restless.”  At this point the couch reared back on one side, and then sprang over the edge of the box.  It shook itself, looking very much like a big black bear that has just come out of a river.  “Is there any particular place that you would like for me to sit?”

 

Geo was still stunned.  “Yeah,” he said slowly. “Right under the window there would be fine.”

 

The couch moved over on its little black feet, and positioned itself under the window, which looked out onto the black, expanding universe.

 

***

3:13:05 PM