I've been writing short stories based on random words I get out of my dictionary, one of which was 'adaption.' I've always liked how the human mind works in Discworld, which is also quintessentially the same way it works here. I'm not sure if I got the proper Discworld feel, but I tried. Ta ta.

S. White

Disclaimer: I do not own Discworld or any dimensions thereabouts.

Adaption

The human mind is good at adaption. When it sees, hears, or otherwise notices something that does not fit within its overall worldview, it simply erased the offending item. It was a wonderful thing, really, how a brain could completely ignore something in spite of all evidence to the contrary. But while this adaptation and sheer bloody-mindedness was essential for the proper running of the universe, it really could be a real pain sometimes.

HELLO? A voice said in tones like the echoes in an ancient burial chamber. CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?

Death had slipped and fell on a patch of ice right in the middle of Ankh-Morpork and he would have been incredibly embarrassed if, firstly, he was capable of embarrassment or, secondly, there was anyone to notice. He had tried to get up twice already and his boney feet had slipped ad scrabbled again on the glassy surface.

THIS IS A RATHER AWKWARD SITUATION.

"Granddad?"

SUSAN? WOULD YOU MIND GIVING ME A HAND UP? BE CAREFUL, IT IS A LITTLE SLIPPERY.

"Of course. Why are you here?" Susan asked, her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she grasped a boney hand and helped him to his feet.

JUST BUSINESS. A COUPLE OF MEN INSULTED THE TROLL WHO WEARS A HUMAN SUIT.

"Chrysoprase? Suicide, then. So there's nothing happening?"

THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING HAPPENING.

"I mean the Auditors aren't up to anything?"

NO.

"Nothing's trying to break in from the Dungeon Dimensions?"

I DO NOT THINK SO.

"No threats to the fabric of reality?" Susan said doggedly, like someone determined to explore every horrible possibility.

NOT THAT I AM AWARE OF.

"Oh. Really?"

YES.

The two of them stood in silence together while Susan turned over this strange complete absence of strange happenings in her mind. She looked mildly disappointed by it.

"Um."

ER.

"Sorry, yes?"

I WONDERED IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN ALBERT AND I FOR DINNER SOON? LOBSANG IS, OF COURSE, WELCOME.

Despite the fact that you can't even see him, Susan thought. But still, it was kind of him to make the effort. He was good at making the effort but not as good at actually succeeding. He just didn't understand people.

"Um, I'll talk to him about it and let you know."

YOU ARE WELL?

"Yes, thank you. And you and Albert?"

YES. I HEAR TIME AND LOBSANG ARE DOING WELL? TIME IS ENJOYING THE HOLIDAY.

"Yes, she is and Lobsang is enjoying having something to do."

SOME TIME FOR TIME, EH? Death said, giving her a boney grin, but since only a skull looked out at her from under the black hood, she probably shouldn't read too much into that. Susan stared blankly at him. THAT WAS A PUN, OR PLAY ON WORDS.

"Yes." She said carefully.

I WILL WORK ON IT.

"Oh, can you still come and speak to the children on Thursday?" Susan said, giving up and retreating to a safer subject.

YES. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.

"Alright. I'll see you then, then."

YES. GOODBYE.

Death watched Susan disappear into the crowd. A man accidently bumped into her and looked very confused for a second as his mind tried to grapple with the concept of hitting something that wasn't there. That was one of his talents Susan had inherited; she was very good at not being noticed when she wanted to be. The man shrugged and hurried on his way. Adaptation. The human mind was really amazing. Death took a step and there was a sound like dice clattering around in a wooden cup.

DAMN.