Make Haste Slowly

Laura Stanciu
There's no other way, son. You had your fun with my daughter, now you're marrying her, you hear? Because if you don't, things won't go well for you. I'll help you out with money for a Logan car, I'll feed you both, and you can stay in the front room. I'm not open to negotiation. I'll give you all the comfort you need, but you better pick up a hoe, like you would at your parents' place, 'cause we're not young anymore either. There's more than enough work to do, especially with the animals, but in the end, all this will be yours. Come on now, you get the idea. It's April. Right after Easter, we're going to the priest, then straight to the town hall to get it all sorted, quick and clean.
 
 Iulia Stavre
Your hand used to caress my dreams when I'd fall asleep with my head full of stories, resting in the lavender-scented fold of your dress. Your hand soothed my fears in the middle of the night, guiding me safely back from the shadows of nightmares. Your hand braided my hair before school. Then you'd kiss those braids with the same reverence you showed when you'd make the sign of the cross before the icons in church. Whenever I need a little magic in the world I live in, I return to you. Your hands glide over the piano keys, and the tea carries your scent through the room. Stay here a while longer, Mama. Let me stroke your hand now.
 
 Nicolae Popescu
Vera, Pricop and their daughter Tincuța are holding a family council. Please take it slow with this marriage, Tincuța. I don't know what your Mbombo does for a living, I don't even know where he's from, but open your eyes wide. First make sure you two have something to live on. Wouldn't it be better to find yourself a nice Romanian boy, so people don't start talking? Dad, I like him. He's kind, he's cool, he's smart, and he's working, he's a delivery guy. I understand your worries, but I've thought it through. Better yet, tell me, mother, how was it with you two? We met, we liked each other, Pric rushed things... and here we all are.

 
(Translated by Maria Loredana Constantin / University of Bucharest, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, MTTLC, year I / Corrected by prof. dr. Nadina Vișan / Edited by Silvia Petrescu, coordinator of the translations)