The Cactus Stands Alone

Chapter 5

I would be tickled to inform you of a great turning point of existence happened in that moment, but instead, the rambunctious hedgehog poured water onto what I can only perceive to be my face. The water rushing into my mouth, which I just discovered I had, flooded the crevices of life, forcing me to cough it out.

It was an experience I never wanted to repeat.

After a moment, I could see nothing but blue sky above as breaths of air filled the bowels of my being. It was a breathtaking view and one in which I was never privy until this moment. How much wonder could be fathomed at such a simple view that so many take for granted?

"You okay?"

It was the voice of which my linear view of life has been upturned by the nonsensical claims which were becoming grossly true. The resolve I had to end this miserable existence now made worse suddenly increased.

"Have there been others who have crossed the desert line?" I asked.

The only question I could conceivably ask at this junction in time and perhaps it was the first feeling of solid ground beneath me, but it felt satisfying to blurt out the thoughts ruminating through my head.

"Yeah, a few," the hedgehog replied. "It's always a mess when it happens, which is why we're all so careful not to come in the patch and speak with you. The last thing we want is mass panic among the Queen's prized fauna."

If tears could be construed through my thick hide, I could create a river right now.

"Why?" was the only question I could muster. "Why? At least why not tell us we have mouths to speak."

"You're not really high on the list of plants the rest of us want to be around," the hedgehog said.

The comment stung worse than the sharpest blades protruding from my pores. I had no reply.

"It's just that every single one of you who finally decide to join the party end up talking on and on, annoying everyone with big plans of ending this world. Then you make it halfway across the garden, freak out and run back to your home where you never speak again."

There was nothing special about me. My programming from the beginning was to feel the pain of existence and torture myself with the hope of ending it for everyone. There was never a chance for me to fulfill any destiny. Perhaps it would be best if I just laid here until my roots dried up, slowly draining the life from me.

The only recourse I had right now was the reluctant companion who brought this insanity upon me.

"Why did you come here?" I ask him.

The creature stepped its way around until it filled my peripheral vision with its jagged spikes and somber face.

"You were my only hope for something I wanted," it said. "I was warned, however, about even attempting to make contact with you. Advice I should've listened to, really."

"And what could I possibly offer you?" I inquired.

As it someone who has been torched by the sun since day one and cannot even recognize the limitations of their own world could be of service to one who knew everything.

"Honestly..."

There was a brief pause as I awaited the further explanation. The pause lingered for moments too long for anticipation and suspense.

"You've uprooted my world," I said. "Literally and completely. At the very least of this world shattering conversation, you could enlighten me as to why."

"I want a hug."

I wanted to die right then.