a sip of stillness

“Take a sip of stillness and tell me where you came from.”

The octopus extended his hand and passed me a silver shell, rounded and deep enough to hold what swirled inside. I brought the shimmering purple drink up to my mouth and took a sip. It tasted like the nectar that drips from stars. 

The octopus settled onto a rock not too far away from mine. I watched his colour change as the rock fed on his crimson appearance and replaced the red with a blueish grey texture. 

I almost told him he looked like the moon, but perhaps he doesn’t know about the moon. I took another sip.

“I came from the ocean depths, slipping between the water and following the light. My first moments were of coming up for air.”

The octopus blinked twice for me to continue.

“My mind was clear and free of where I was before. I am new. I am here.”

“Would you like to stay?”