Strange meeting

    by Olha Kolesnyk

Today I had a meeting with my clone. No, not actually with the clone, but it was I.

The only confusing thing was that I was talking to myself nine years younger. It was very

strange discussion, which I scrutinize below.


I (20): Hello, nice to meet you. God, that’s me!!! Why are you here?

I (11): Hello! Ehm…You’ve changed. I mean I’ve changed.

I (20): Yes, to my mind, we’re a bit altered people.

I (11): You’ve cut hair? Why? To my mind, this was repugnant action.

I (20): Oh, this, it’s not the crime. Yes, I know, I had very long hair and what?

I (11): But I contributed so much for our common hair! With such unbelievable diligence!

Uh! (Pause) Tell me about yourself. Are you going to be a doctor? (Smiles)

I (20): Well, no. You see, I study history. Remember I… I mean you liked it in 5th form?

I (11): History? But I am dreaming about helping people in hospitals or at least helping

animals. I am so disappointed. (Sighs) Oh, how about our cat?

I (20): Sorry, but it has already died several years ago. (Sadly)

I (11): Oh, my lovely cat. How he had died?

I (20): Well, I should apologize but I don’t want talking about this. Hope you’re looking for

him well. (Little pause)

I (11): Where are you living now?

I (20): I’ve moved to Kyiv. I’ve been living there for last several years.

I (11): How have you done it? Mum was always against this idea. We have no money! And I

am not the best pupil in our class! That sounds ridiculous!

I (20): Oh, yes, that’s true but I’d like to assure you in fact it is real! Despite all our family

troubles, we are able to live right or, well, not very pleasant life. Don’t listen to your

classmates and teachers.

I (11): What do you mean? (Wary)

I (20): I mean that don’t know you. They will offer you to leave our form because you’re too

weak for being there, don’t agree. Everything will be OK. You don’t need to be afraid.

I (11): Ah, yes I know. They’ve already offered me that. I am accused of being careless in my

attitude to studying all school subjects, you remember, yes? I don’t like school. But thanks

for your balmy words. As far as I understand you are student right now, yes?

I (20): That’s true. (Smiles)

I (11): Are you a good student? I ask if you are better student than you was at school?

I (20): I want to tell you something. Studying is not everything is this world. I’ve changed

my mind in rather radical way. I do not believe in those fairy tails that education defines

our lives. This is just nonsense. What you should understand is that world is too crucial and

without money and connections to powerful people you will not achieve nothing. Maybe I

became to callous. Sorry for this.

I (11): You think I am too naïve? Maybe yes. But I don’t want to be rigid in future as you.

Please, don’t say a word about life in this deceitful manner. I don’t believe you. You just

can’t be me in nine years. You are so different. What happened to me? Please, go away!

I (20): You’ll understand me, I hope. Maybe not know. Wish you good luck!

I (11): I said goodbye!

After these words my 11 years old shadow disappeared. I had a bit bittersweet

thoughts. That couldn’t be I. We are so different people. Maybe, I misunderstood

something?