tales for dreamers: the voice of the mask

The mask burst forth from the young tree overnight. 

Since then, it hasn’t stopped talking. 

It calls out to every passerby but most ignore it. They do stop to gawk at it, because … why not? A mask peeping unexpectedly out of a tree is eminently gawk-able.

That kindles some kind of sympathy in you, the kind-hearted soul you are. So you decide to stop and listen to what the mask has to say. 

First it tells you that you’re going to run into trouble this evening, but it also gives you some tips on how to avoid bad luck.

It shares random things like the next time your basement will be flooded, or how long your current relationship will last, or when and where you’ll see your first ghost.

It also tells you that you’ll have a close brush with death in the coming months, but luck will be on your side and you’ll escape entirely unharmed.

I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to run away from the mask after hearing all these predictions of catastrophe and disaster.

But the one important thing that the mask doesn’t tell you is this: Most people actually can’t hear its voice.

And the ones who can? They’re already doomed.

Last week's image info: The gorgeous, glowing wall of neon handprints in 'messages from beyond' is located inside Planet Laser in Oakville.