Photo and text credit go to my good friend Lorna N

In the southwest of France, in the départment Ariège, in the medieval town Mirepoix, lives Cacahuète.  It is not exactly correct to say “lives” because Cacahuète is a ghost.  For centuries he has been instrumental in supporting one of the ancient beams of the town’s famous couverts.  Said beam is part the Atmos, a local bar whose conviviality creates such a welcoming atmosphere, who can be surprised that Cacahuète is happy to call it home?

When and how Cacahuète left this world has long been forgotten.  But why Cacahuète lingers in this world is another story.  Indeed, why has everything to do with it.  For it has long been thought that ghosts are souls with unfinished business in the earthly realm and so it is with Cacahuète.  In life he questioned interminably, everything from the existence of black holes to the reasons required to wear warmer socks.  Now he must answer the insatiable questions of others in the hope of finding his way to the great beyond, about which Cacahuète has far too many questions.  This story though is not about to spiral into one of those black holes (which do exist) and will address one concern only.  Why does Cacahuète have the same answer for every question asked?

The answer isn’t really an answer at all.  Cacahuète never says Oui or Non or Peut-être.  Cacahuète fait un clin d’oeil.  Look closely at his right eye.  It is perpetually winking.  So how does this happen?

Someone asks if they should leave their job.  Cacahuète fait un clin d’oeil.

If I buy a lottery ticket will it bring me a fortune?  Cacahuète fait un clin d’oeil.

Should I accept his proposal of marriage, is asked.  Cacahuète fait un clin d’oeil.

And many foolishly seek an answer to questions whose answers are ineffable, for the mysteries of life track a different path unseen to the human, or once human, eye.  To these queries, Cacahuète fait un clin d’oeil.

Now, at the end of the story, do we know any more about why?  Why not ask Cacahuète?

Why do cats purr?  Why is the sky blue?  Why is it so hard to say good-bye?  Why doesn’t Cacahuète answer my question? 

De manière prévisible, Cacahuète fait un clin d’oeil.