Overwhelmed by New Urges

“My daughter, Justice, is unequal in her ability to see the past and the present in fullness, understanding truth and balance in ways her sisters have never fathomed,” Wisdom lectured, “but the future, to her, has always been shrouded in mystery.”

Tim was still reeling by a growing desire to put something in his mouth to fully listen to Wisdom’s speech. He knew it was important, he knew that what she was saying would profound affect him, but this alien urge was distracting, something new and powerful, against which he had as yet not developed defences.

“Fortunately for us all, forethought is easily within my reach,” she continued, words hitting Tim’s ears but not landing, “I foresee a vulnerability to the order of creation, an unexpected consequence to your relationship with my daughters. The loyalty of immortals such as them cannot sustainably be given to a mortal such as you. Your life is but a fleeting moment, but they require your existence to perform their duties. Should your life cease, disaster would befall their kingdoms. Since my Husband has approved of their fealty, I will provide another solution.”

Tim let his tongue slip out of his mouth and lick his painted lips as he stared at his dainty hands. Maybe a thumb. He could suck on a thumb. His own thumb would do, he wouldn't be bothering anyone. It would feel sooo good, just what he needed. That wouldn’t be weird, right?

“Now, once again, Justice’s power will suffice,” Wisdom continued, “My other daughters can sense my plan and are elated. Any boon to you fills them with joy, a joy I share with them as we are united. While I have held myself apart from humanity for ages upon ages, I must admit that my heart will be filled with gladness at your good fortune. The admiration of my daughters awakens a spark of something in me that I have not felt for a long time."

No, sucking his thumb would definitely be weird. Tim wasn't a toddler, and no matter how many trades for respect and authority Justice gave him, acting like one would certainly make him look a fool. Did he have any gum in his purse? Maybe when time started again, he could ask the waitress for something to take the edge off. He could really go for a banana, something he could slide into his mouth and savour, feeling the girth of the fruit against his lips, his tongue massaging it as he slid it in and out...

"And so it pleases me greatly to offer you a trade to extend your life, perhaps indefinitely," Wisdom's voice was distant to Tim's distracted mind, "Do you agree to the trade?"

There was silence as Wisdom waited for a response. Tim briefly came out of his preoccupated state to realize that the powerful immortal had asked him a question. What was it she had asked him? Something about good fortune?

"Uh, yeah," his feminine voice answered, as he slipped back into thoughts of things he might find to stick in his mouth.

"Very well," Wisdom said in a triumphant voice, "Then it shall be done!"

It was still not too late for Tim to interfere. With a word, he could have halted Wisdom, but no word did he give. He never thought of it, in fact. His mind, instead, had begun to imagine ordering a plate of cucumbers, zucchinis, and sausages.