fannishliss

This ficlet was for

sadcypress , who wanted a story in which the Gmail Teahouse Fox was Jensen, and the Monkey was Jared. 131 words

* * *
"Hermit Fox"

The morning rice has been eaten, the morning tea things cleaned and put away.
Outside, the birds drink from their basin, making tiny splashes as they bathe.
He breathes deep and releases the breath, a long sigh.
He brings out the rice paper, inkstone, seal.
He grinds the stone in the ink dish, grinding till the ink is the thickness of blood.
With the perfect tip of his tail, he drags the black line fluidly along the paper, holding his breath as he forms the words:

Dawn light gilds the tops
of trees; my friend dances there.
I remain earthbound.

Again he releases the breath.
The tailtip trembles. He does not mar the page.
He presses his seal to red ink, signs his work: “Hermit Fox.”
He is still alone.

* * *
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENSEN! and many happy returns of the day!