One day I got the hang of life. It's not that it doesn't hurt, it hurts like hell but I got myself some band-aids. I-don't-care, so-what and I-don't-give-a-damn, depending on the severity of the situation. Bam, just because mommy and daddy are getting a divorce doesn't mean we don't love you anymore, quick, an I-don't-care band-aid. Splat, you're cute but I'd prefer an open relationship, so-what band-aid. Bang, study more and try again in the fall, I-don't-give-a-damn band-aid. I told you, it hurts like hell but at least I'm the only one who knows. I still don't have a band-aid for the band-aid but I'm optimistic.
Ana Maria Dobre-Nir
I peeled of my skin, slowly, like I'd been doing it since the beginning of time. I left it at your feet. Then the muscles fell of my bones. You pretended not to see. Or maybe you did but you chose to turn your eyes to the monsters that had pierced my soul. They were more interesting and you liked horror movies anyway. I shouted that you had to look beyond the bones but only now did you truly feel fear. And maybe you're not ready for that. Yes, I know. I'm a ghost. One that doesn't give you peace, but chills.
Monica Bologa
I stare into his eyes as he tells me he doesn't feel anything for me anymore. And that he never liked my haircut or my tasteless jokes or my tasteless food. Then, when he explained that he's had no more energy nor any desire for a life with me for a while now, I smiled, still looking into his eyes. You're stone cold, he accused me. I tell you all this and you smile. It's clear you don't love me anymore. He grabbed his bag from the hall and left. I'm still standing by the door crying.
(Translated by Bogdan Nicola / University of Bucharest, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, MTTLC, year I / Corrected by Silvia Petrescu, coordinator of the translations)
Versiunea în română a acestui text se poate citi aici, în rubrica Ficțiuni Reale.