Let's go relax, she said. I did as commanded, as usual. I took the blanket and the charcoal; I placed the meat cuts, sauces, and vegetables in the cooling box. Once we reach the forest's edge, I unpack and start grilling. All this time, she wouldn't shut up. I was somewhat used to that, but too many things were piling up. Accusations, demands, complaints; all unfounded. I was arguing in vain. I didn't stand a chance. I never stood one. My head hurt. I felt like I was suffocating. Then I saw the rock. It's quiet now. Finally.
Alina Ilie
She tells me we cannot wind down now, no. That, now, she has to study a bit for Romanian and Maths. That she has long deleted Instagram and TikTok, and during her study breaks, she stares at the wall. It's okay, just a bit longer. She wants to be done with all this stress. We do, too, but most of all, we want her to be well. After Maths, she wants to come home and finally play on the computer, be a princess in Royale High and pick dresses for herself. To paint and read what she wants. Then, she prays to the Good Lordy to get into the desired high school. And, we pray for her.
Caterina Tudorache
I was two years old, and my grandparents would take me to their house every day. Grandma used to say that she felt like a mother again. She would peck my cheeks and make cookies for me. Grandpa would take me to the park to play. He looked at me like I was the family treasure. He gallantly thanked the women who asked if I was his son. He always brought me home on his shoulders, and then we napped in the afternoon, both extenuated. He used to say that sleeping would help me grow. Once, he slept for too long, and Grandma started sobbing. Everyone got mad at him, and I haven't seen him since.
(Translated by Francisc Csiki / 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.