Mystery

What is it?

I look at all the others I’ve seen and cannot find its mate. Nothing like it. So I try to find something that matches the way it moves.

It is not quick or swift. Not like the deer or the horse. Yet it does not waddle like the duck or trudge like the cow. It steps carefully. Thoughtfully.

I try to find something that sounds like it. Yet it does not trill or chirp like the birds, or bray like the apes.

It wears no shell, no fur, no feathers. But a mane covers its ears and neck. Its ears are strange. I catch a glimpse of one. Curled and flat. Soft and hairless, the sun turning it rose pink.

Its eyes are adorned with twin crowns that change shape as it looks at me.

It has no muzzle or snout. A mouth. A mouth that changes shape as it looks at me.

I hear myself speaking to it. Like always. I tell it my name, and I tell it I will care for it. Like always. Then, I motion for it to follow me. Come along. I will give you food then I will think of a name for you.

I grasp a few pieces of fruit, different kinds. I’m not sure what it eats. Some like seeds and fibrous reeds. Some prefer the fragrant, soft kind.

It considers the offerings in my hands as I hold them out. It reaches out to take one. I gasp.

I had expected a paw.

But it has skin like mine. Warm, smooth. No claws, no scales. Fingers. Knuckles. Thumbs.

Without thinking, I take its hand in my own. The fruit thumps to the ground.

I look into its face. Its mouth changes again. It makes a sound.

A sound I’ve only heard from Him.

My name.

I tremble. I nod my head. Yes. Yes, yes. I trip over my words. Yes, that is my name.

It places its other hand – it has two, not four – against my side.

Its mouth changes again. Yes, I know this shape. I like this shape. I’ve seen it before.

I understand. Now I know why I couldn’t find its mate. I sink to my knees on the soft ground and I sing praise. I had not known to ask for such a gift. I had not known it was possible.

I tell her I will take care of her. And we will take care of the others like He told us. Together. I will tell you everything He has told me.

Come, my mate, and I will show you our garden.