September 26, 2005

“So, what’s your next story about?” Laura asked.

“Llamas,” I said. “I’m writing a story entirely about llamas: the way they look and feel and run about. You see, llamas are a counter-cultural force.”

“Llamas?”

“Yes! They spit with such intensity they often bruise skin.”

“And that’s what makes them counter-cultural?” she asked.

“Partially. They also underpin most of the cultural creations that come from the fringes of society. For instance, the llama in Napoleon Dynamite is what gives the movie its mass appeal. Similarly, the WinAmp media player is all about llamas. As is SimCity. And Monty Python. Basically, llamas are the very opposite of the status-quo.”

I was confronted by silence at the other end of the line.

“Did you know that there’s also a Partially Active Llama Society (PALS)? They’re dedicated to helping all llamas. I’m a member.” Each time we talk I tell her one of my secrets.

“So you’re telling me there’s an entire subculture of people who are really into llamas?” she asked.

“I am them,” I reassured her.