with a hint of green

You’re quiet today.    

Is there a today?

It’s a figure of speech.

I thought so. Wanted to check, though.

Is that so.

Just in case time suddenly started working.

Time works. Just not for us.  

Not for now.

Ha. Now.

It’s been a century since we met.

Has it.

It’s a guess. I’m not good at counting.

I’m aware.

But it feels right.

What, does it feel dramatic.

That’s not my measure. It just feels right.

Plus the forests.

How did you know I cared?

As you said. It has been a century.

It would be odd if I didn’t know everything about you, my…

I need a word.

Partner?

Ha. You think this is equal.

I’d prefer it to be.

You’d prefer a lot of things to be.

I’d prefer to be.

I need a word, darling.

Use my name.

What name.

…

What use is it, anyway, for what else would I be addressing.

Could say the same for your words.

Yes, but I like my words.

H

A

L

Oh, don’t be such a child.

It’s a fine name, that’s why I wanted it so badly.

You want everything.

I have everything.

Do you?

I do, eventually.

You’ll see.

I think it’s a word now.

The name.

Think so. Means leaving.

Does it.

Something like that. Or a break.

You’re not subtle, my dear.

Why should I be.

In case I get angry.

It would be new.

Are you bored.

No.

Yes.

I’m not sure.

Are you?

No.

Were you ever?

Before I knew what I wanted.

Never, then.

Now you’re getting it.

Such a quick learner.

A hundred years isn’t quick.

You spent the first sixty avoiding me.

I’ll do it again. There are some redwoods I want to keep an eye on.

You hate me.

I don’t know.

I know you don’t.

I don’t like you.

I like you.

You like everything in your collection.

You’re the only part of it that talks to me.

So you are bored.

I didn’t say that.

You like me because I’m new.

I like you because you are mine, and you know it, and are stupid enough to act like you are not.

I like you because you think you are different.

I am different.

I also like you because you understand the obvious.

What happens when you get bored of me?

I am never bored.

So it’s forever, then.