Lauren got the sense that there was an old , ancient agony betwixt them , the preternatural fear of her own shadow , of its shapes that look so subtly different , an inch taller , hair shorter … Why did there have to be this fight ? She wanted only the two of them to form some kind of bond , teacher and taught , learner and learned . I think it ’ s time to leave , he said . He opened the door . That ageless night . But it ’ s dark and it ’ s looking at me , she said . He laughed . Space is flat – and recursive . The abyss doesn ’ t stare back . You do . I don ’ t quite understand , she replied . I ’ ve got actually serious work to get on with , okay ? She looked outside and there was nothing . It ’ s not nothing , he replied as if hearing her . Did he hear her ? Yes I did , he said . There ’ s too many people in this room . The walls were so bare , she hated that , said , There ’ s more than enough . There could be three of us . Four . We could be a multitude . And yet , he replied , laughing as he shoved her out , there will only be one .
I am the Ocean ; To them I ’ m a Lake 90