Zofia was already awake when the alarm went off. She turned it off and hid under the blanket. It was warm and cosy under the soft sheets, while outside it rained and the wind howled through the poorly shut windows. The cold October mornings and the thought of the job that stole half of her life overwhelmed her. There was also her boss, with his unbearable insinuations whenever he found an opportunity, and today he was the only colleague she had in the office, which terrified her. But then she remembered of the dog's laxatives and smiled satisfied, knowing how she would serve him his coffee.
Horațiu Dudău
The glass of whiskey glows with the colour of an alcoholic autumn. With every sip, I wince and shiver. Limping, I make my way to the gray, metallic fridge, open the freezer and remember where I left it. Short-staffed. I grab the ice with my bare hand and squeeze it until my fingers go numb. Pain makes me sweat. The fridge alarm snaps me back for a second. I return slowly to the armchair, leave the radio on, which seems to broadcast from another world and step outside myself to wander through the autumn trapped in the glass.
Ramona Ungureanu
I wake up thinking I have to, God says I should stay a bit longer for whatever reason. It's 17 degrees in the house, it's fine, cuz it's plus. I put on another laibăr[1], then grab two wooden slats from the fence to make kindling, the sun comes out and the rooster's blood from yesterday shines on the axe. I chop firewood, fetch water with the bucket, don't just stand there, and don't stand still, standing is death, I spread cornmeal for the chickens, I give you food for nothing, from the plate two rooster heads staring at me. I go out in the sun on laiță[2], what's up my dear Maria, just sitting here? Get lost, Mr. Mayor.
[1] Peasant coat short to the waist, tight around the body and usually sleeveless.
[2] Bench made of planks (without a back) placed along the walls in traditional houses and which also serves as a bed.
(Translated by Maria-Ilinca Darie / 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.