Conditional Reality

We went deep into the woods to see the dance troupe perform their show near a creek studded with rocks. The troupe danced without music. We strained to hear an accompaniment that was not forthcoming. While we were occupied by this fruitless endeavor the troupe gradually slipped into the ground. By the end of the performance all the dancers had been absorbed by the Earth. We were stunned. We stomped our feet on the ground where they had danced. Hello! we said. Come back! We held hands and lifted our voices. Rise, we said, rise and return to us, please.