I think it's after midnight.

The whole house is asleep, even the stairs, the doors, the floors, the walls.  I can hear things winding down, even so long after they've been left alone.  There are more people here than usual.  More than the house fits.  I think more are coming tomorrow.  I don't know when they'll all go.  Soon, probably.  Too soon.

It's warm, summer.  Snoring in the other room.  I know someone's there, of course.  Hope I don't wake them.  How many people have come here in the last few days?  I haven't even bothered to count.  The atmosphere is weary, the sound and smell and pressure of so many people worn out after a long day.

I was with them for many hours today.  I saw so many that were not like me.  A few that were.  But mostly too different to compare.  One of them scared me.  I haven't seen him in quite awhile, but he's almost like me.  Almost.  Almost exactly.  He showed me one path I could take.  He is isolated, even though he is finally home.

Another of them showed me another path.  Strong and smart and fun, but is he where he is needed?  Maybe he is, I don't know.  But the hurt one is the one I should mimic.  Somehow.

There are some animals here as well, some of them.  Some graceful and sly, some boisterous and towering.  Different.  All of them different.  Maybe some of them are more like me than I know.  But even if they are, how can I ask?  They're all sleeping, just like the house.

Just like the world.

I am tired.