Conditional Reality

Peppermill Farside was in love. Then her man died and Peppermill’s heart broke. Ice cream, alcohol, work, and good friends helped put her on the mend, but whenever she saw the moon, with its relentless romantic glow, she felt the pain all over again. Peppermill arranged to have the moon dusted with a non reflective powder. It took many years to complete the task, but eventually the moon was no longer visible in the sky. Peppermill was happier. Lovers everywhere mourned, but the astronomers sent Peppermill a card. Thanks to you, it said, now we see the stars every night.