Non fiction

Untitled

Luckily, what was supposed to be an evening of social awareness and citizenship became something totally unexpected.
Orleans was hotter than expected that day.
Very few know, but I met her (now she is my wife) at the demonstration against the rising of university fees.
Elena (at that time I didn’t know her name) was wearing a Palestinian kufiya around her neck and a The Smiths tee.
I guess she was a vegetarian too.
Surrounded by so many people, I could barely hear how and what she was fiercely shouting, but I just wanted to listen to her at that moment.
That anger in her face completely killed me. I had an instant crush.
How ironic, isn’t it? You go to a demonstration with an intention of protesting about your unclear future and your perspective changes instantly in a matter of seconds.
Elena wasn’t aware of it, but the police officers, fully armed, were protecting the Ministry of Culture and they wouldn’t hesitate about hitting people if a chaotic situation started.
Ridiculously, the reason why you’re there suddenly has no sense.
“Err... I think I’m going to talk to her.”
“After all, you have to take some risks, even being an unconscious and irresponsible twat at that moment.”
“Sooo, hi. You don’t know me and I don’t know you either. But I think you’re gorgeous and I was wondering if you could have a coffee with me once the protest ends.”
“Oh, well, I don’t have anything to do after this. Why not? You seem inoffensive and harmless.”
Now, we both laugh and remember that anecdote. But at that moment, twenty metres in front of us, the police started to hit people. That night, we both went to the prison cell.

Reflection

In this story, I wanted to contrast two apparently antagonistic feelings. In a terribly bleak social context for middle-class students, with high university fees that not everyone can afford, love and kindness are the things that can change the world, beyond speculative interests and monetary purposes. Education is becoming more expensive, so it is legitimate to stick to the most primitive human feelings to survive with dignity in this economic jungle.