At first I cried. Then I shaved my head. Then I said \'screw it' and looked at the people around me and cursed up a storm. Then I calmed down, I still cried in phases but it felt more and more hollow. I started to realize what matters. Then I cried again. Little things, essential things. Many don't appreciate them. To hell with them, I do as I please. The more I die, the more people surround me. They're afraid I'll die alone. I'm sure they're afraid they'll die alone instead.
Răzvan Dițescu
She couldn't believe she'd brought up the topic again. No, she didn't need anyone. She liked having time for herself, being alone with her thoughts, directing her energy towards the things that truly mattered. She was independent and that gave her confidence. She could do so much on her own. Besides, being solo doesn't mean being lonely but rather free and strong. Beautiful discoveries are made when you're alone with yourself. When are you going to get married, dear? When it becomes mandatory, okay, mom?
Adriana Patroi Miu
I never believed in love. I never thought there could be such a connection between two people. You know, with you, everything feels intense. I experience even the most mundane things differently, I savor them. I feel you when I touch things. I think of you, and I live with the feeling that I'm reading your thoughts, that you're calling for me. And yes, I want, I desire. I'm solo. You're not solo, but you will be soon, the camera responded before he could say anything. Big Brother was watching them closely from around the corner. The lamppost's light faded into the darkness.
(Translated by Bogdan Nicola / University of Bucharest, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, MTTLC, year II / Corrected by Silvia Petrescu, coordinator of the translations)
Versiunea în română a acestui text se poate citi aici, în rubrica Ficțiuni Reale.