God damn it. Put this money in too. I was so close to hitting a seven-pyramid. Almost struck it rich. Man, go home, you've spent all your money, and your kids are starving. Nah, dude, don't worry about me, I know better what I got to do. I'm the one who earns them money. Cramped in the madness of the night, drowned in alcohol, his world had been reduced to just sitting in front of the slot machine. He went home and lay down, dodging his wife's question, who sat in front of him holding the child in her arms.
Iulia Stavre
He had everything he could ever want. A man fulfilled. A flourishing business, a house, a car, a wife, children, dream vacations, and designer clothes. Money doesn't bring happiness, only comfort, and boredom. He wanted adrenaline. He found it in extreme sports. After the accident, depression came in a wheelchair. The drink warms his heart in a waft of amber. With his eyes fixed on the screen, he has the strength to pull the lever. Luck drifts on velvet clouds. He tells himself it's a nightmare, and a bunch of three sevens will bring his life back.
Mona Zelenco
Mrs. M is bursting with pride. She's been a travel guide for as long as she can remember. Influencers, vloggers, bloggers-they are no match for her. She's everywhere, on everyone's lips, billions of lines have been written about her, she is the muse of poets and painters, she never rests, makes no discrimination, relieves suffering, carry you quickly and efficiently, without money or unnecessary luggage. Every family has felt her touch. I remember as if it were today the day she carried my father. She loves making surprises. We never know when she presses the button that carries our name. Are you ready?
(Translated by Bogdan Macarie / 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.