Big Stuff, Little Stuff

A Cosmic Disagreement

"Big stuff," cried Josephine. "That's all you ever care about, big stuff."

"Like what?" asked Sam.

"Like how did the universe begin and what is the meaning of life?"

"Yes, don't you care about it too, Jo?" asked Sam.

"Yes, but—"

"Yes, but what?"

"Yes, but there is laundry to do, and it is piling up on your bed. The trash needs to go out, and it is piling up in the kitchen. Your bed needs to be made. I don't think you've ever made it."

"Are you done?" asked Sam.

"Yes."

"Well, don't you care about why we are here?"

"I do, and I decided that I'm not here to do laundry, dishes, take out trash, or make your bed."

"Now really, Jo, do you think that's a good enough reason to start a universe?"

Josephine reflects, then hands Sam the laundry basket.

Sam stares out into space.

A story by Pemba Umoja