"Identity"

Abstract

“I’m a monkey.” “I’m a salmon.” “No, I’m a mermaid.” This is what it said. “Yes, that last bit is correct,” prompted Sukeroku. “Now, try saying it once again. What is it that you are?” “I’m a monkey.” “I’m a salmon.” “No, I’m a mermaid,” it repeated. Three states of consciousness, three statements, all uttered by the same mouth. For there was but one mouth, which had originally belonged to a monkey. “Oh, no, no. You’re a mermaid, you understand?” “All of you are a mermaid,” it corrected.