mcicm_the-same-but-differently-8.pdf
(11.44 MB, PDF)
… It’s the best lit and best decorated room in the whole of the Fine Arts Academy and the Conservatorium Maas- tricht combined, from what I’ve seen so far. A corner of well-filled comfy brown bookcases, a dark cane rocking chair complete with marine blue cushion and the odd here- and-there potted plant including my own contribution of some unknown genus of dried purple flower. All housed under the warm white of 60watt bulbs, at least when we don’t have the LEDs on. I like this space. Ruth is … pockets and search your mem- ory. A flash of your friend’s geeky laughter, him collapsing in giggles over a bag of unopened chips under the glare of cornerstore LED light, you’re waiting at the counter, ‘Come on Nick’ you’re saying, while you feel the shop attendant’s fixed stare of practiced tolerance on the back of your neck. But Nick’s not here now. You look around and discover you’re on some inner city side street where the buildings seem too tall for the width of the space; empty but for the … feet padding barefoot like awkward chalk squeaking exercises on blackboard. ‘Sorry! Super super sorry!’ Ashley’s echo sounds out through the theatre. ‘Anyone else with laundry on stage? Remove it now.’ Michela and Ethan scramble up from the stalls to check. ‘Yes? Done? Good. Now clear off.’ She can almost hear the clicking-double-clicking of his pen. ‘We’ve got three hours to check the lights and do a full run so can we not waste more time please? Great. Scene five from the top!’ She knows she …
