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March 2023

The Compromise With Insignificance

Altenir Silva

SHE was walking back and forth inside the house. Her anxiety was taking away all her confidence. But she had to settle everything with him.

HE was thoughtful from the moment that he entered that room.

SHE remembers very well when they met at Bryant Park, and the two were sitting facing each other at the plaza table, and while he was killing a ShackBurger, she was eating up her Whole Foods salad.

HE was breathing deeply, perhaps trying to oxygenate his mind in order to do things right. He knew that something wrong would hurt, hurt, and hurt.

SHE started to cry. After some time together, they shared the same
objects, such as a kitchen table, tableware, a bathtub, liquid soap, shampoo, a bed, and the entire house.

HE looked at the mirror and took a journey through his past, where he could never have imagined facing this juncture.

SHE thought about writing a note on the pad but gave up because it would be too impersonal for her.

HE always had his life in the right mode, despite the temptations. He did that with effort and was aware of the consequences. Now he's ready to go ahead.

SHE decided to wait for him, wondering when he would finally leave the room. She considered calling out to him, but she no longer felt the urge to utter his name.

HE was seated on a stool when an inner voice cried out, 'Time is up!' He stood up, feeling as though he was on a roller coaster with no option to turn back."

SHE tried hard to stop thinking about the wonderful time she spent with him, but seeing a photo on the cupboard brought it all back. The photo showed the couple at Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where they had their best vacation.

HE checked his gloves and shoes as a knock came from the door. He opened it and the coach entered. After a brief chat, they left the room together and made their way to the boxing ring.

SHE finally decided to go. It would be impersonal, but it was what he would deserve for everything he did to her. Then, like Nora from Ibsen's
A Doll's House, she opened the door and left the house, never to return.

HE gazed at his opponent, who looked stronger than the day they went face-to-face for the weigh-in.

SHE went to Rebecca's apartment and told her the whole story. Rebecca understood and supported her BFF.

HE was knocked out and became unconscious, unable to see, hear, or feel anything. Later, he awoke to find himself alone in the locker room.

SHE received good vibes from her friend. A little bit calmer, she said goodbye, hugged and kissed Rebecca, and left the place.

HE picked up his backpack and left the gym without speaking to anyone. He thought about calling an Uber but gave up and went by himself toward a subway station.

SHE walked to the 34th-St, Herald Square station, got into the train D Line towards Norwood-205 St.

HE boarded at the 59th-St, Columbus Circle station, and got on the same train as her. He sat next to her. He looked at her and had the impression he had seen her before.

SHE picked up her Kindle.

HE looked curiously at the ebook gadget. Peering at what they were reading in the subway was one of his quirks.

SHE was reading "By Women Possessed: A Life of Eugene O'Neill" written by Barbara and Arthur Gelb.

HE opened his backpack and picked up his book "Stan Musial: An American Life" by George Vecsey.

SHE got off at the Tremont Avenue station and walked towards her parents' house. Maybe she'll make it in time for dinner.

HE remembered her as soon as she disembarked and the train moved. Her name is Natalie, and she studied at the same high school as him. He instinctively thought to get off at the next stop and catch another train back to Tremont Avenue Station. But he gave up, talking to himself, "It's New York, Philip!"

End

 

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Altenir Silva is a Brazilian playwright and screenwriter working in mass media and communications, including Cinema, Theater, Television and the Web. His texts and scripts - both fiction and reality-based - have been presented , produced and performed in the US, the UK, and Brazil.
For more of his writings in Scene4, check the Archives.

©2023 Altenir Silva
©2023 Publication Scene4 Magazine

 

 

 

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