jacktellslies

I've been told that for the rare creature that is the true alchemist, there is only one Philosopher's Stone, and only one path to it. I'm a bit too fond of death, so I know little about eternal life (or whatever it is that alchemists mean by that might be. They have a tendency to claim that no one but they can understand their metaphors, which seem to me, a stupid and uninitiated thing, a little too obvious). If you seek happiness, however, I may be able to part with a few recipes. I don't ask much in return, and fishmongers never lie.

Happiness, Recipe the First:
Go to France accompanied by at least one new friend and one old friend.
Eat a croissant and a giant pear.
Take naps. Read Tom Stoppard plays.
Attempt to attend children's theatre. Success is optional.
Sit in the sun.
Wander in gardens.

Happiness, Recipe the Second:
Go to a sushi restaurant.
Eat spicy crunchy tuna.
Drink saki.
Talk with friends.
Catch the train home later than you'd intended.

Happiness, Recipe the Third:
Make pumpkin bread for friends.
Drink good rum.
Make bad choices.
Wear the evidence of all this on your neck to work the following day.

Happiness, Recipe the Forth:
Before you are ready to sleep, accompany exhausted friend to bed.
Feel them breathe and twitch and drift.
Attempt to leave.
Fail. Discover a new pattern of locked arms and legs and fingers, instead.
Kiss forehead and sleep.

I love you all. Goodnight.