I keep my girlfriend locked up. The key dangles around my neck. I guard her with my life. I admit, I've let my guard down before but only out of carelessness. She almost got away. It won't happen again. I'll guard her like a watchdog. Should she come out for air? Not way. She only breathes the air that comes through the cracks between the wooden boards she's trapped within. But, honestly, how much air can get in when I've poured so much dirt over the piece of furniture she's imprisoned in? At night I imagine myself as the roots of the flowers creeping in to embrace her.
Carmen Tot
On Sunday mornings he places an enamelled basin, a quarter full of water, on the corner of the table by the window. He unbuckles his old leather belt and, stretching it with his left hand, sharpens his razor with his right. He leans forward a little, towards the mirror on the wall, to get a better view of his shaving. Grandpa, whoever shaved you after you died wasn't as good, in the photo inside the knotted handkerchief tucked under grandma's pillow, you have a cut on the corner of your chin that will never heal.
Florentina Enache
Welcome to the neighbourhood. I represent the juniors of the Good Neighbours Committee. I am proud to inform you that the area is protected from the noise, pranks and petty vandalism of children. In exchange for small donations and some treats, we take on small tasks like walking the dog, watering the flowers and other errands. We promise not to use the information obtained during our collaboration in any way. Pending your reply, here is a picture of the former tenant before the cobra inside the drawer in the hallway bit him. He did not want our services.
(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.