In this science-inspired work of short fiction, Tania Hershman explores a most bewildering aspect of our human nature
12.03 pm
He sits at the microscope, counting bacteria. He hears her coming. She stands by his bench. She picks up a pipette.
“I’d rather you didn’t do that,” he says.
“Oh,” she says. “OK.” And she puts the pipette back and walks off.
He writes in his notebook: “12.03 I say: ‘I’d rather you didn’t do that.’ She says: ‘Oh, OK’.” He sets his timer for half an hour.
12.33 pm
He sits at the microscope, counting bacteria. He hears her…
