Chapter Text
On a hot summer evening, two men left the bar on 98th street. The streetlights brightened the walkway. They walked closely together on the winding brick sidewalk.
loudly, but not so distractingly, they continue their seemingly long held conversation.
The first said to the second “I cannot begin to grasp this love you seem to hold. You are thoroughly obsessed!”
Then the second spoke in turn “but what is so hard to grasp? Have you never been full of merriment and love? A miserable life you must live” he laughed softly to himself.
“I have… but only in the presence of drinks or beautiful women!” a hearty laugh erupted from the man; he lent back slightly. He seemed proud of his joke.
The other man pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket; half had already been smoked. He carefully took another from the pack, holding it in between his fingers for a lingering moment before he spoke: “it makes sense to take pleasure in drinks and women. But have you ever considered the joy the simple pleasure of a cigarette?”
“I have, my friend.” The other man spoke, “but I do not see why it enthralls you so deeply” his fingers stretched out to his side, reaching for a smoke. He was swiftly met by the feeling of paper resting between his fingers. “a smoke is nice, but I do not see why it should be of such concern you.”
“It is of concern to everyone!” the man exclaimed passionately “these simple pleasures are so often overlooked!” he ruffles though his pocket for a moment before pulling out box of matches, he carefully strikes one against the box, lighting his cigarette and his companions quickly. “Living is utterly delightful my friend!”
“Is that so? I’d not taken you as the type to enjoy life so much.” The man looked on, carefully stepping over a puddle as he continued “you seem to be so obsessed with every little thing” the man takes a quick puff of his cigarette.
“That is precisely what I love about life!” the man exclaimed before taking a puff of his cigarette in response “every little thing about it is so remarkable!”
“But I believe I know something that you don’t Emilio.” the man spoke with a soft confidence in his voice. “You don’t truly love everything!”
“Now how could you be so sure of that?” Emilio asked curiously, “you cannot be in my shoes, so you’ve ought to trust me on this!” the man became slightly heated as he spoke.
“Here is my proof!” the man said before reaching to take a handful of water from a puddle, tossing it at his companion and lightly soaking him.
“Now why would you do that!” he spoke furiously “there is no need to be so grossly impolite!” an annoyed expression took hold of the man’s face as he waited for an answer
“That was my proof my friend” the man smiled proudly at his friend “you did not love that!”
Emilio frowned carefully, though not seemingly too sad “Perhaps that is true… But I am happy that we are here together my friend” slowly, he took a drag of his smoke. “Thank you, Nikolai”
“No, I should be thankful to you. You are a wonderful friend.”