Civilisation

– It is quite a relief when it's half-term. With regard to the traffic, I mean.
– Yes, it's noticeably quieter.
– Always amazes me how many children drive to school nowadays.
– Or perhaps it's their parents.
– Of course. That makes more sense. But even so... I can't quite see why they don't just deposit their offspring at the bus stop and let them fend for themselves. It's far healthier for them. Character building.
– Catching the bus?
– You see so much of human life on the average bus journey. The highs and lows of our civilisation.
– It's been a while since I last travelled on one. And I don't notice you taking them very often.
– You can have too much of human life sometimes. I prefer it in small doses. That is why I appreciate having less traffic on my journey into work: it gives you the chance to reflect quietly on the purpose of existence, and that sort of thing, and not get harassed by people beeping at you.
– I suppose the beeping is quite off-putting.
– It can be. Especially during times of quiet contemplation. All the magic just goes.

Someone else's garden.