Page 74 - November 2020

74
Litterateur
November 2020

Emilia

He stared briefly at this valuable piece of furniture, before suddenly and resolutely
opening the door. It creaked horribly. Emilia was torn from her sleep.

Emilia Heavens! What was that?!
Grossmann Sorry, dear! Go back to sleep.
Emilia What's going on?! Is anything the matter?
Grossmann No. Don't worry.
(Emilia sat up and looked around the room.)
Grossmann Aren't you going to sleep any more? Should I wish you good
morning?
Emilia Good morning to you, too, darling. Are you looking for something?
(She cast a puzzled look at the open cupboard. Dr. Grossmann
shrugged his shoulders as if at a loss.)
Grossmann I think I should tidy things up here.
Emilia As you like.

She sighed and lay down again. Dr. Grossmann reverently pulled a shiny watch
out of his pocket. Pure gold shimmered in his smooth hands. Its owner saw his

eyes mirrored in the lustre of the superior metal. His hand put the watch to his ear.
It had stopped. It was silent. It didn't care what time it was, it could even be said it
scorned it. Next it was the turn of the coal black school graduation suit. Dr.
Grossmann examined it lovingly and gently stroked its dark texture. On an
impulse, he slipped off his dressing gown and hurriedly pulled on the shabby
jacket. No easy matter, but he managed it. He dived into those commemorative
trousers, too. Then he went over to the large wall mirror and admired his
reflection. He was delighted to see how well he had preserved his appearance and
figure throughout his life. He set great store by that. He believed that it not only
reflected his wise lifestyle, good taste and healthy habits, but he was also
convinced that it was an indication of his personality, his firmness of will and
adherence to principle. He was trying to make the last adjustments to his
clothing, when he discovered that he couldn't fasten the trousers, because just at
that point the cloth was in tatters, damaged by the destructive work of clothes

moths. This distressed him considerably. He didn't hesitate and in a moment he
was again back in the haven of his dressing gown. So, even mementoes can
disappoint a person. Dr. Grossmann dropped his school graduation suit
indifferently onto the carpet. The buttons quietly clinked as it fell. Emilia stirred.

Emilia Do you need something, dear?
Grossmann On the contrary, dear. I don't need anything.
Emilia Not even my help?
Grossmann Not even this useless school graduation suit.