Conversation · Steban, the Student Communist

Nod again.

You're intimidated by all the books these kids have read, aren't you? Maybe a trip to the bookstore would do you some good.

What is it? Are you scared because you can't remember a single book you've read?

Nod your head yes.

"That's a 'yes,' I take it? Can you give me an affirmative?"

What are you worried about? You've read plenty of books. Why don't you take a little pause, come back once your mind's clear?

Shake your head no.

Nod again.

You're intimidated by all the books these kids have read, aren't you? Maybe a trip to the bookstore would do you some good.

What is it? Are you scared because you can't remember a single book you've read?

The young man gives you a concerned look.

"Ehhk..."

"Hrrrgh..."

Is it getting warm in here? There seems to be a little pool of sweat forming in the depression of your lower back.

I'm not nervous, I'm a superstar.

Oh, totally. A superstar breaking out in a cold sweat.

Why is this happening? I thought I had my shit together!

You did. You must be extremely nervous for some reason.

Why am I getting so worked up? They're just a couple of kids!

Let's be frank, they're probably way smarter than you. You bet they've read more books than you can even name...

Of course, it wouldn't kill you to crack open a book every once in a while.

The hardest part will just be working up the nerve to ask without soiling yourself.

"Everything alright, gendarme? You look a little green about the gills..."

You've been quite studious these past few days. You should be able to handle whatever they want to throw your way.

Of course, if you're nervous it wouldn't hurt to read another book or two.

It's because I don't do well in interviews.

No, you're terrible at them. The thought of everyone looking at you, judging you, makes you want to heave, frankly...

Definitely not sweating, no sir. (Wipe the sweat away.)

Excellent work, now there's a glistening smear across your bare chest. Everyone will be able to see the evidence of your overactive sweat glands.

(Point to the art supplies.) "What's with the paint stuff?"

He sighs. "Yeah, it's hers. She just sort of... moved it all in a few months ago."

"She said if she's going to make truly radical art, she needs a suitably radical workspace."

"And I don't think she could afford rent at an actual studio."

"Now I'm wondering, what's the deal with this place?"

"'The deal'? At a fundamental level I guess you could call it the shattered bones of a dream crushed by capital."

A feeble and hopelessly mixed metaphor.

"That's really good, Steban. You should save that for an essay."

"Thanks, Uli. When the idea is sound the words just sort of flow."

Yes, now keep developing the idea.

"Actually, I think that's a mixed metaphor."

"Hmph. Leave it to the gendarme to enforce bourgeois stylistic values."

"Besides, it's just a first draft."

"If this place is the shattered bones, that must make us the bone weevils."

"Mmm, yeah that's not bad."

"Not as good as Steban's original idea, though."

"Okay, but what is this place?"

"It's an old construction site." He looks around. "They've been trying to restore these apartments for years, but as you can see they haven't made much progress."

His friend yawns, evidently bored by literal reality.

"I heard these used to be luxury apartments. Million reál views, that sort of thing."

"That could be." He nods. "It would explain some of the more ornate detailing. But we're speaking in world-historical terms here. What this place represents, not what it merely was."

"Okay, let's move on."

"You want me to kick her out for you? I've served an eviction or two recently."

"I'm not sure it would do very much good. She's sort of... impervious to authority."

That's only because you haven't really laid down the law with her yet.

Seems unlikely you'll be able to 'lay down the law' with a child who made you oink like a pig...

Let's never bring up that shameful episode again.

"Besides, it would look pretty bad if people thought we were collaborating with the gendarmerie."

"No doubt."

"Good point, Uli."

It's true. And let's not bring up that shameful oinking episode.