William Adolphe Bouguereau, The Nymphaeum

This was a scene I had to investigate. So many beauties! I was sure I’d fit right in. I couldn’t wait to become part of the celebration.

Upon my arrival, however, I discovered I didn’t fit in at all. The balance was off somehow. One or two of the nymphs appeared to be eyeing me with suspicion, perhaps even disdain. And then I noticed the two men at the border of the forest. Interlopers. Maybe it was they who were causing the disruption. “You!” I squawked, after staring at them for a long moment. Startled, they hastened away. And now I wondered if I’d done a good deed, redeeming my unwelcome appearance, or, more likely, if I’d ruined things. The latter, I decided. If I left, maybe the guys would return. I hesitated. I so wanted to be accepted. But my aura was off. And so, sadly, and as unobtrusively as possible, I slipped away.