“He said, the trouble with the world was…”
She had to stop and think.
“The trouble with the world was,” she continued hesitantly, “that people were still superstitious instead of scientific. He said if everybody would study science more, there wouldn’t be all the trouble there was.”
“He said science was going to discover the basic secret of life someday,” the bartender put in. He scratched his head and frowned. “Didn’t I read in the paper the other day where they’d finally found out what it was?”
“I missed that,” I murmured.
“I saw that,” said Sandra. “About two days ago.”
“That’s right,” said the bartender.
“What is the secret of life?” I asked.
“I forget,” said Sandra.
“Protein,” the bartender declared. “They found out something about protein.”
“Yeah,” said Sandra. “that’s it.”
- Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
![[2 bears are talking in the woods.]
“So I’m gonna do it, Kenny. I’m gonna propose.”
“Brian! That’s amazing news!”
“I’ve got the ring and everything. Check it out: solid silver with a garnet.”
“Beautiful! You must have been saving for ages for it.”
“Well, I’ve been trading with those giant spiders. They look mean and hairy but they’re terribly nice, really. One of them’s agreed going to be my Best Man. He actually cried when I asked him.”
“Wow. Congratulations, Brian. I bet you can’t wait to ask Susie.”
“Yep. On my way there now. Wish me luck!”
“Best of luck!”
And I then plunge out of the bush, surprising him, and kill him with my terrible glowing sword. Puzzled, I pluck the engagement ring from his big, dumb paw and examine it before throwing it away because it’s so cheap I regard it as just not worth carrying.
Because I am a monster.
(previously)](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwz2csP8N81qz4vmto1_1280.png)
