The Great Nursing

• ON AN ISLE IN CORYNTHIA, THE COLD SEA

Rafel lay between waking moments. He slept the first night from when he was dropped on the island two days straight. His yawn was babyish and loud as he stretched awake on the third day. It was dawn: the skies faint lapis and cockatoos tweeting in high willow branches. Rafel blinked to find a squirrel at his feet. Little eyes like brown glass studied the young man in the heavy quilt.

Rafel tried to shoo, but the animal hopped on the duvet and continued staring.

Since when did squirrels of the forest become like pigeons of the Capitol; striding brazenly through the streets, side by side with man?