"Can I go out on a limb?"
"Well, just be sure that it's not one of those really spindly ones that'll break-- No one has any business going out on limbs which can't support them..."
"Right... Well I've been experiencing some... odd things, lately."
"Go on? Oh, sure I'll have a coffee, but no salt."
"So, whenever I think of something terrible, it happens."
"Is that so?"
"Yes! So, you know how the recent dam collapsed? And all of the people in the city below it were killed?"
"Of course."
"Well, I thought of that."
"Goodness, why did you think of it?"
"What do you mean?"
"How could you think of such terrible things?"
"Well, I didn't really WANT it to happen, I just..."
"You should really be careful what you think of-- considering."
"Considering what?"
"Well, as a magician, you make things happen that others cannot explain."
"But that's different, that's illusion."
"Wasn't it some wise old psychologist that was quoted in the 20th century saying 'reality is an illusion?'"
"I'm not sure, but it's not as if this was one of my acts, it's just a coincidence."
"Oh... Well, then what's so odd about that?"
"I'm not too sure anymore..."
The two friends drank bitter coffee in silence for a long while. The magician, Todd, was at a loss. All that he had put stock into, all that he believed, all the specialness that he supposed upon himself, was gone. He felt very little, and so corrected. Such as when, as a child, your parents guide your eyes to the night sky, and point out just how far away those infinite stars are past the protection of the dome. His friend, Jona, had just guided his realization outward. His logic having stifled his ego, and left him with only coincidence-- instead of the vast possibilities of being able to control anything in the world.
Todd spoke: "Where do you want to go tonight?"
"I'm not sure," Jona replied, affixing their vision on the slowly passing turtles on the nearby sidewalk-- all painted with adverts for the coming traveling zoo. Jona read: "Tonight at 5 PM in the Tunnel of Dome Six. Free admission with donation of fuel."
"So you want to go to the Zoo?" Todd suggested.
"Well, it would give you a chance to apply for a position. I wonder if the zoo has ever had a magician... It seems pretty fitting-- considering the magic of nature."
"Sure. That makes sense."
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