First date
Let’s walk, she said stepping underneath my umbrella.
No handshake or hug. No smile.
A twinge of regret entered my mind.
Then we started down the rain-covered cobblestones.
Subtle composition of ambergris and labdanum in the air. And silence.
As we reached City Hall Square, I thought of ways to escape.
She stepped in front of me.
Do you like theater? She said.
Very much, I said.
I have tickets for Caligula at the Royal Theater, she said.
Camus on a first date? I said.
With you? Absolutely, she said, leaned forward and kissed me lightly on the lips.
- Category: True Stories Told As Fiction
5 comments add one below
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Neville Hunt about 4 years ago
I love it. I can feel the atmosphere, smell the perfume. Very well written, Thomas.
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Drew Martyn about 4 years ago
I couldn't remember where this came from so went back to read "Grasping". That was good, this is even better. I like this girl, Camus on a first date would have thrown me, too, but that's a good thing! Nicely written and the thrill and excitement come through very well.
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D.M. about 4 years ago
I vaguely remembered it, too. This is more subtle. Her actions, stepping under the umbrella, stepping in front of him. She is very direct and it works. Letting the
reader react. -
Thomas Andersen about 4 years ago
Thanks for your comments!
D.M. your remark made me wonder if I should have used _under_ rather than _underneath_ in the first sentence. -
D.M. about 4 years ago
Either works. I play the same game in my writing head.
