Fable

{{note|Taken from The Blue Guitar 1992 - The McKinleyville High School Literary Magazine.}}
What could remind you of your childhood more than watching Sesame Street? That was the logic Mandrake used as he fell deeper into the pillows and cushions of his living room couch. And what house could be more snug and insulated for a lizard than a hole in the ground? True, if you were afraid of being stepped on in life, it was not the home for you, but Mandrake took special care never to put himself into that kind of jeopardy.
"Didn't I once teach you how to make lasagna for yourself?" his wife interrogated from the kitchen.
"Yes, you did."
"And didn't I once show you how to fold laundry?"
"I believe so, my dear."
"Did I ever instruct you in the art of dishwashing?"
"Certainly."
"Why do you never do these things, then?"
"I never really paid much attention, dear." Then he laughed at Cookie Monster.
"I will never understand how you can satisfy yourself by staring at PBS all day!"
"Those who please others, rarely please themselves. Those who please themselves, rarely please others," Mandrake yawned.
"And are you pleased?" she demanded.
"Quite."
Mrs. Mandrake huffed and got ready for her PTA meeting, of which she was running for president. As soon as she closed the door, a jogger misstepped, and she was no more.
Ambition can either get you somewhere or nowhere.
{{by|Jessica Knauss}}