That shirt is full of stains, observed Dani. Didn't she look in the mirror before leaving the house? What a gaudy blush, thought Ela. She didn't wear make-up like that in high school. She's got gray hairs, remarked Dani. How can she walk on those heels, wondered Ela. How are you, asked Dani, breaking the silence. I'm going to the hospital, I've got a preterm baby, I'm bringing him milk, answered Ela. You? I'm seeing a guy I met online, confessed Dani. They got off. I'm rooting for you, Ela told her. Wishing you well, replied Dani. They went their separate ways. Unspoken sorrows floated in the evening air.
Julia Sandu
Once upon a time, in the land of Tinder, there was knight by the name of Sir Swipe-a-Lot. Wielding a mighty smartphone, he journeyed across the digital landscape in search of love. She met Jazmin, whose kingdom was adorned with mirror selfies and Mimi, whose bio was full of cat pictures. He quickly swiped left, not wanting to see what the cat might drag in. He stopped at the Meme Queen, whose domain was puns and whose wit was as sharp as the blade of Excalibur. And so, he embraced his fate and became Sir Cum-a-lot.
Daniela Toader
I smile. The prettiest smile in the world, he says. I know, I say, you keep telling me. Hold these flowers for a bit so I can wipe my glasses. He holds them. Your mascara is smudged, he says. I'm going to the bathroom, I say. I fix it, I come back, he's still holding the bouquet. It's endearing, the way he tries to socialize with strangers. I take the bouquet and get uncle Ion off his back. He was in a chatty mood, he says. I know, I say, he's like that, only shuts up when he's asleep. It gets quiet. Dana... what's your last name? asks a voice. Dana Tinder, I reply. Okay, he says, you may kiss the bride. Applause.
(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.