It was a humid summer night. The kind that makes you feel like you just accidentally walked into a steam room at the local health club. Under the faint glow of street lights the trash pile stood impressive by the dumpster. It was always like that on Sunday nights since trash day was Monday. The humans had all retired to their homes to rest up for the coming work week. Their fun and games completed for another cycle. Now it was the turn of others to come out and play.
“I see your half-eaten chicken wing and raise you a mango rind.”
“You’re bluffing! You always bluff.”
“Ah but one who always says nothing but one thing is bound to be on the mark every now and again.”
“Well, I guess one of these days you will actually be dead.”
“Won’t we all be eventually? Just because I am astute at pretending to be in a different state than I am does not make me a phony. Besides who are you to complain always going around with that mask on.”
“Whatever. I call with a garlic bread crust. It’s to you now, stinky.”
“Do you grow tired of calling me that?”
“Haven’t yet. Does it bother you?”
“Why would I be bothered by what I am?”
“You think because of my mask I’m ashamed of who I am. I just don’t choose to share myself with everyone like some individuals here. Behind masks we can become whoever we wish to be without worrying about the scrutiny of others. I wager I know myself better than anyone here because I know what I hide and what I don’t.”
“I feel as though I know myself quite well.”
“Yea, we all know your scent a mile away. Just get on with the betting already.”
“Half eaten cheese burger. You’re up.”
“Finally. I had enough time to give myself a bath while waiting for you all to stop your bickering.”
“Sorry to bore you.”
“Don’t play your false fronts with me. And I was not bored but frustrated at your lack of comprehension. You argue over who hides or knows themselves when we are all individuals with strong senses of self. For one who yields must know how not to be trampled. One who compromises ones self need be sure where the line is that separates them and others. And one whose will has such lasting repercussions must have the discernment to know when there is no choice but to act.”
“Thank you for acknowledging the fact that I always give ample warning before inflicting myself on others. But I must ask what that makes you then?”
“The one who balances all three. My claws are not always out nor are they sheathed all the time.”
“Then how about telling us which of us is the strongest if you know us so well.”
“You have to ask? Are you able to play dead with your nose too or has it been that long since you caught a whiff of our friend here.”
“I disagree with that assessment. Also I call with a nub of a cheesesteak. I feel we are all the strongest for we are the masters of our own individual talents. Strength comes not from potency but by mastery of thy self.”
“So you argue that even though I have the ability to clear this area of humans if they were around I am not the strongest?”
“Precisely. For you also draw the most ire from those same humans compared to the rest of us.”
“That’s why a mask works best so you can do what you need to do without someone sticking their nose in.”
“ACK!! Excuse me, hairball. And you still miss my point. You state you avoid scrutiny but you also stand out because of that very mask. It does not bother you because you have learned to flourish in that mystery and use it for misdirection whereas others may shrink under it. We all use what is most suited to us and by that very variety we have all thrived.”
“Alright, enough philosophy for one night. Let’ show our hands before my children are ready to leave the pouch.”
“Mmmmm, you won’t hear any purring from me tonight. This hand belongs to you, friend.”
“See sometimes the one who just lies down comes out on top.”
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