How did you manage to be the editor of The Times newspaper for five decades? I always sought to write about things that help society. You must be very proud of how it has managed to progress-in medicine, technology, art. In everything. The old man pushed the microphone away with his arthritic hands and looked at her with faint pity. The next day, the newspapers buzzed about an imminent apocalypse: wars, plague, floods, famine. His last article read: Empathy is the last sign of civilization.
Vlad Mușat
Hello, is this the Reborn Hearts newspaper? Yes, good day. I'd like to place an ad. My grandson has already sent the money, you see, I'm 94 years old. Is your grandson's name Temistocle Aristide? Yes, and I'm Lucrețiu Aristide. I can hear you laughing. Parents choose our names; my son was lucky-I wasn't. Write this down: Presentable gentleman, 92 years old, looking for a presentable lady with a good pension. That's all? Yes. When will the paper hit the stands? Well, it doesn't hit the stands anymore; it's only online. My God, I'm going to die alone. Never mind, refund the money to my grandson. Thieves.
Alexandra Buhudini
Jesus descended from the cross, put on his sneakers and headphones, shattered the stained glass with saints, and flew toward the East. He was searching for what all the crucified seek: an embrace. From one of His ribs, the balm of love for one's neighbour dripped over the world, but people had hidden themselves in hearts without arms. An angel roared so loudly that the gates of Hell shook, waving a newspaper: Today, we're closing the printing press. Jesus leaned His heart on the matins, and from the altar, the Father was incarnated, embracing Him-so He wouldn't forget what happiness felt like when the final trumpet sounded.
(Translated by Andreea Maria Liceanu / 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.