Prose                                       
The Prey

   So Linus and I began to play games similar to the ones that Arthur and I used to play. Simple and fun- though with an increasingly hard edge. A couple months ago I caught myself yelling at him and in one terrible moment I lifted my cane and cracked him over the head with it. The next day I remembered what I had done and I became ashamed of myself. What I found to be worst of all was the knowledge that I clearly had it in me to do such a thing again. Linus stayed away for a couple weeks, but then began showing himself again semi-regularly. He still likes to play games but the increasing complexity of them begins to frighten me. I wanted them to be as fun as they once were… with Arthur.

   Tonight I felt such incredible pangs of loneliness that I had to come out here to find one of my friends. None of us have telephones and they scare so very easily. This is the only way I know to find them. Otherwise, I just have to wait for them to come to me. Tonight I have Linus. He has come willingly and I will take him back with me. But Arthur still stands there- so aloof and strong. He still doesn’t want to come back with me. He still doesn’t trust me and I guess I can’t blame him. I was horrible to him. But I truly do miss him.

   I know I could take him back by force. Though he is a giant compared to me, he will not lift a finger in his own defense. I could have him again, at least for a little while… but it wouldn’t be the same. So I wave at him and I turn around and I walk with Linus back to the cabin. I will wait the rest of my life for Arthur to return if I have to. But he must return on his own. It must be his own choice.

   And so Linus and I play another little game, me finding that it comes a bit easier than usual, but knowing there are layers to it that I don’t understand. And I ask myself again if it is worth knowing all of the rules and clearing off my old dissecting table… or if it is more worthwhile to just enjoy the game.