The Dominant Species

I was on my way to meet Alastair again. At the end of every meeting we agreed on when the next one would be. And we always met in the same place.

Sometimes when I’m alone or with Alastair or Giselle we watch the fish that surround us. A few years ago, Giselle and I learned at school that fish can cooperate. More than once we have watched in fascination as a shrimp dug a tunnel, while a goby looked out for predators. See, the shrimp has bad eyesight, but it can dig the tunnels. The goby lives in tunnels, but can’t dig them. However, it has better eyesight than the shrimp.

What fascinated Giselle the most was how the goby would bring the shrimp back, if it went too far from the tunnels. She said it seemed almost as if the goby cared about the shrimp. I pointed out that it was probably more for the cooperation and the fact that they need each other. Still, it was interesting how complicated some animal instincts could be. I mean, merpeople could learn. And sometimes animals could too. But to have instincts that were so complicated was different. And it was always something I liked to watch.

When I found Alastair we held each other and danced.

“We need to talk about our relationship,” I began.

“Go ahead.”

“We’ve been seeing each other for four years. This has gone on for a long time.” “What are you trying to say?”

“I’m saying we’re adults. How much longer are we going to keep meeting in secret? We’re old enough to consider marriage.”

He looked stunned for a second. We had never discussed marriage before. “I think so too,” he said.

“Do you want to get married?”

“Yes.”

“How do we do this when the law forbids it?” I asked.

“I don’t know, but I still have hope.”

“Well, I’m tired of having nothing but hope,” I said, frustrated. “I want to have an actual plan.”

“Calm down. We’ll find a solution.”

We stopped dancing.

“I don’t think you’re taking this seriously,” I accused.

“Why would you say that?” he asked, irritated.

“Because you’re not trying to find a solution like I am.”

“Look, I want to, but I don’t have one right now.”

“My point is, we’ve been together for four years. Don’t you think we should finally have an answer?”

“Yes, I do, but we’ll figure something out in the future.”

“I don’t like your attitude.”

“Excuse me?” Alastair exclaimed, angrily.

“I want to find something as soon as possible,” I told him, frustrated. “I’m not leaving this for the future and I wish you would stop doing that.” “Are you saying I do that a lot?” Alastair asked.

“Yes.”

“Maybe I’m just not on edge like you are,” he shot back. “Bye.”

I swam away.