through the gap
The tale of the tortoise entering the House of Masks
A solitary figure meanders along the rudimentary path caused by being leeward of the wall surrounding the House of Masks.
The solitary figure somehow fits this solitary place. This place where it is unusual to see anything more than the occasional wild animal passing the wall, not even enough creatures pass by to establish a path of any note. It is unheard of to witness a person here for this place is but a grey void on any map, digital or ancient. It is not a route from here to there. It is not a route from anywhere to anywhere.
The solitary figure passes through the wall as if by magic, but it is not magic. There is a gap, it is difficult to say if this was once an entrance (there are no signs of a gate) or if this was just negligent construction by a builder who assumed no one would ever come this way. From inside the gap is hidden by the old stump, behind the stump is an old wooden box. On the door of the box behind glass to protect it from the elements is a note.
TO PASS THIS POINT YOU: 1 MUST BE COMPLETELY NAKED, AND 2. MUST WEAR THE MASK IN THIS BOX, AND 3. MAY NOT SAY ANYTHING, NOT A SINGLE WORD. FEEL FREE TO LEAVE YOUR BELONGINGS IN THIS BOX.
The solitary figure slowly struggles through each of the words, reading the note twice to ensure understanding. There are three things. To be naked. To wear a mask. To be silent.
The solitary figure is a recluse and a wanderer. A recluse is used to silence, used to the solitude of one's own company,used to appreciating the beauty in everyday things to be found in nature and in society. A wanderer is used to getting unexpected directions. This is the lot of the traveller: each new place brings with it new customs, new traditions, new challenges; but with each new challenge is a certainty that gives the wanderer great strength: the wanderer knows that before long the wanderer will move on, wander towards a new place. And so begins a new cycle.
The recluse and wanderer does not care about clothes or masks.
The recluse and wanderer will simply follow the instructions.
The recluse and wanderer removes each item of clothing with care, shaking it out and folding it neatly before placing it in the box. A wanderer knows not to be wasteful, each item of clothing may be used by the next person to pass this way, by the next person in need, whomever that person may be. One item, two items, three items, four items, five. Boots at the bottom, socks tucked into them, skirt and shirt resting on the top. No undergarments, a wanderer does not always have a choice.
The naked recluse draws on the TORTOISE mask, a tight fit that fixes the head in an unusual pose, the chin higher than normal so the shoulders stoop slightly to compensate.
The naked recluse with the TORTOISE masks walks on. This is the right thing to do.
An old tree stump
A retelling of the story of the tortoise and the hare.
