The interview

Hello nice to meet you sir and what is your name?

I am man.

Hello man shall we begin?

No.

Then let us start with the first question. Tell me man are you afraid?

Yes.

What are you afraid of?

I am afraid of life and I am afraid of death. I am afraid of you and I am afraid of myself.

I see. Not many hiding places from that kind of fear is there?

I drink to make things easier.

Ah, I see. But as you probably know a temporary solution is no real solution at all. Now tell me man what have you got to offer me?

I have some integrity I think.

May I see it?

Ah yes, eh, It here somewhere just on second. Eh compromise, no, no, doubt, no, where did I put – ah yes here it is. Integrity.

Its seen better days from the look of it. Does it often see the light of day?

No, not often.

And why not my good man?

It is a cumbersome old thing, it tends to get in the way.

Yet you have kept it all this time?

Yes. It is important.

Yes, you are right. It is important. Well Man I think I've seen all I need to see here. You are to be returned to earth in the form of a turtle. They have little fear and much integrity. I think you will enjoy it. When you are done, in oh a hundred years or so, we’ll give the whole human thing another bash, and maybe next time the interview will go somewhat smoother.

Man said nothing. He gathered his fear and his doubt and his ragged integrity and headed back the way he came to begin his life as a turtle.