Ruined

Dan Banu
I had walked past the ivy-covered villa a thousand times. It had stayed frozen in a sad, cold stillness since '89. I opened the gate, stepped through the tall weeds and the angel heads, and went in. Peeling walls, rotting floors, air thick with woodworms and goblins. Tell Horovitz I gave him all the money, I have a receipt, said the hunched old man with giant glasses and a hooked nose, appearing out of nowhere. And now please leave. I'm tired. I tiptoed out and pulled the gate closed behind me.
 
 Iulia Stavre
When I turned 18, I got the latest BMW and an amazing party with all my friends. The musicians played until dawn, and Dad threw money like it was nothing. Waiters and classmates were picking it up off the floor. Now I'm haunted by the thought that my own son's 18th birthday is coming, and I'm here. It's raining outside, late at night. I watch the empty street from the apartment where I live with my mother, renting, after my father took his own life. My birthday is near. All I wish for is that the longing wouldn't hurt so much, that I could have him back, just for one more evening.
 
 Alex Micu
I built this reasoning on the basis of thorough research. I formulated theories, of course, I proved them too. I conducted experiments. So the reasoning has solid, irrefutable foundations. It's my turn, I step up to the podium. I take a deep breath and let it all out. I present, explain, demonstrate, write on the board. I calculate again, explain again. I don't even notice how two hours has passed. The board is full of formulas, my hands and lungs full of chalk dust. I think they're convinced. Are you insane? the president of the Academy asks me.

 
(Translated by Larisa Marta Mreană / University of Bucharest, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, MTTLC, year II / Corrected by Silvia Petrescu, coordinator of the translations)