Chateau Grief 469

Esme: Don’t think… don’t think…

Narration(Esme): I have truly converted to Qureshi’s teachings perhaps for the first time.

Narration(Esme): He speaks of karmic wheels of history. For him, and for me, my good deeds increase my chance of returning in my next life as a higher being…

Narration(Esme): More exalted even than humanity! What great deeds have I done in the past to achieve my present station?

Narration(Esme): Higher than all the beasts. Higher than puppies! And one mistake will send me crashing low, lower than the protozoans.

Narration(Esme): I must not allow my will to falter. Not after I’ve come so far.

Narration(Esme): Where else is there to go but up? Who else to reincarnate as but a telepath?

Narration(Esme): But I’ll be a good one, not an evil one. I believe the right things. I’m a good person.

They— Kore and Xander— they’ll be reincarnated as slime molds so they learn, so they’re punished. And I—

Narration(Esme): — tonight I have achieved Nirvana. I finally understand what Qureshi taught. Now that all conflict has ceased, when I am empty of all struggle— Don’t think.

Narration(Esme): Fly like the wind. In this instant I have no attachments to this world, chastity, poverty, obedience. Right will always win in the end.

Narration(Esme): Peace, justice, freedom… democracy…