Chapter 1: Cloud limbo

She was in limbo

Waiting for nothing

but the end of existence

wondering how to kill time in between.

On cloud limbo

Her little dog, Ginger walked past her

Hi! said Ginger enthusiastically

Ginger: Play with me? Let’s play!

I: Not now, Ginger. I am busy

Ginger: Busy with what?

I: Contemplating the meaning of my life, alright. You won’t get it. Now go chew some napkin or whatever

Ginger: What is ‘contemplation’?

I: It’s uhm… thinking about something deeply. Analyzing it.

Ginger: Why do you do that? Does it help you find treats?

I:Umm.. no. Maybe metaphorically…Let me try to explain it in a way you might understand. It helps me think — What is a treat? What is my treat? How do i find my treat? What happens if I find it? What happens after I finish my treat? And what is the whole point of it?

Ginger: But a treat is just a treat. And it’s joyful! It’s just something that makes you happy!

I: That’s what I am trying to figure out. I get confused when what makes me happy isn't what society would call a ‘treat’. Society tells me to like other things.

Ginger: What is ‘society’?

I: You know, society. The people whose rules we live by.

Ginger: Where are they? Woof! Woof! I don’t see anyone. Are they watching you live by these rules right now?

I: No they aren’t here exactly.

Ginger: Then come on let’s play! Look, the way i see it — sleep, eat, play and love! Those are the only things i care about. And my favorite is sleep!

I: I wish my life could be as simple as that. I worry about my clothes, my body, my hair, my job, my pay, my title, my likes, my social media followers, my future…!

Ginger: What’s all that? Doesn’t sound important…

Can you just play with me in this moment and not think about those things? I love you no matter what clothes you wear or don’t wear. If your body is big or small, your hair straight or curly or even bald!

Also, what is ‘future’. I only know ‘now’. And now i want to play! Throw the ball!

I: Ginger, what about the elections, the pandemic, the economy??

Ginger: You lost me again! Look if you are tired take a nap, if you are hungry eat. And if you are neither — let’s play!!

I: Alright, alright!

Ginger: Yaaaaay! Let’s run to those meadows over there. Isn’t it beautiful!

I: How can you be so happy when you are not even free! You are tied to a leash!

Ginger: But on the other end of the leash is someone I love! This is the most exciting moment of my life!

I smiled.

This was indeed the most exciting moment of my life.