Taciturn

I went to the well in my backyard. I pulled the rope and drew up a bucket of water. I leaned my head towards the well and said, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

The well was silent.

I said, “Um, excuse me, is everything okay?”

The well said, “I’m sorry, but today I’m inclined towards silence.”

I said, “Okay, I understand.”

I unhitched the bucket of water and brought it inside. I poured some it in my dog, Blurr’s, bowl. He lapped most of it up. I said, “How was it?”

Blurr said, “Good.”

I poured myself a glass of water and drank it.

I said to Blurr, “Do you think the well’s okay?”

Blurr said, “I don’t know. I guess. Can you take me for a walk?”

I said, “Yes.”

I took Blurr for a walk. We didn’t say much. Even the trees were kind of silent.