Eve didn’t blame the snake. It was Time that got her and Adam into trouble. When God showed them that apple tree, their mouths watered. Then he told them, “Don’t eat it.” What did he do next? Left them alone. With Time on their hands and apples on their minds.

Jonathan Odell has published three novels and his essays and short stories have appeared in various national publications. He lives in Minneapolis with his husband. His website is JonathanOdell.com.