A Serious Story by Maria Ignatieva

“Well, on the whole, it’s not bad at all.
Harold agreed to publish it… later, that’s what he said.”
Jo smiles politely. Clark sits down without being invited.
“But if you ask me, some minor changes would do it good. I’m not saying I didn’t like it, no, the description of those… relationships is nice and detailed and all that, pretty decent for a female novel, even. But you know what I always say: a story isn’t serious if everybody’s alive.”
Clark laughs.
“But I’m not blaming you, of course.” Pause. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
Jo stands up and heads off to the kitchen.
“Do you want some tea?
“Sure! You remember my favourite, don’t you?”
“I don’t buy carcade.”
“Oh? Earl Grey will do, then. I see this flat isn’t at all like… you know, the previous one. And hey, where all the seashells have gone? You used to like them. I used to bring you one from each trip, yes, I remember that…”
Jo puts a cup in front of him. Clark nods and takes a sip.
“So… Are you seeing someone? I’ve been wondering how long will it take sweet little Jo to get a new boyfriend… Wait, no, I’ve heard that you’re into girls now.”
Laughs.
“Wa-ait a minute, so what you wrote was… autobiographic? Well didn’t I say that it’s very detailed… By the way, where am I in that book? I didn’t recognize myself in any character.”
No answer.
“Listen, you don’t seem like yourself. Did something happen? Well here I am with good news to cheer you up.” Points on the papers. “Smart of you to send this to my publishing house. You know, I had to convince Harold to give you a chance… You know how cautious he is.”
“I didn’t know you worked there.”
“You didn’t? You’re lucky, then… Isn’t it hot in here?” Clark takes off his tie and glances at open window. Jo is silent.
“But I did help you after all, so I deserve that cup of tea.”
“Yes, you do.”
Pause.
“You know, I’m not mad at you, Jo. It’s been a while after all… Do you even store those seashells somewhere?”
His voice is hoarse. He takes the papers from the table to fan himself.
“So where’s that girlfriend of yours? We could have a chat together, I could tell her a lot about you… And why is it so hot in here?..”
He grabs his throat, bows down slowly, and falls off the chair. Jo sits in front of him until he stops fidgeting and is silent at last.