Devolution

“Hey, guys,” said Sam. He swung down from his perch near the ceiling, dangling from one leg before somewhat clumsily grasping ahold of the lower platform.

“You’re really going through with it?” asked Darnelle.

Sam plucked at his patchy fur. “Scheduled for complete transition next week.”

“And you’re happy?” Jason frowned.

“Sure,” said Sam. “It’s as good as any of the alternatives. The world doesn’t need another human, but it’s still got room for monkeys.”

“It’s unnatural,” said Darnelle. “Animals don’t even have souls.”

Sam shrugged, a more complex gesture than it once was. “Maybe we’ve just never seen one.”