A: So I would like to congratulate you for your exhibition.

B: Thank you! How do you like it?

A: They are amazing! I couldn’t imagine how did you came up with those color combinations.

B: That’s why you are here right?

A: True. [pause] Shall we begin?

B: Haven’t we started?

A: Ah right! Allow me to start over and ask it properly; how did you come up with the ideas?

B: Well I took a bit of everything into it. From nature, people, seasons, books.. the universe! So it is not all mine when I have it from everywhere. Especially him.

A: Right! This is your eighteenth exhibition. There you have both of your names in it. But I wonder to what extent did he put himself in the projects; knowing it was you that do all the painting, right?

B: You must’ve new here?

A: Honestly I am.

B: Where were you on our first? [she meant her exhibition]

A: I just got transferred to this town yesterday and I know a bit of what’s happening. I did the research on ..

B: Then you lack of it. I mean aren’t you working in media?

A: My apologies. I have no other excuse.

B: Well I am not expecting any. So next question please.

A: Okay. I heard that the president is a huge fan of your art.

B: I don’t care about that. I do my shit and that’s all. It’s good that people like it. Even if they don’t, I won’t be other than myself, right?

A: Well if that’s how you gonna say it, then let me inform you that the president is a huge fan of your art.

B: So you heard or you made sure of it? Because just before, you were suggesting that it is just a rumor and now you sound very confident that it is a fact.

A: It is a fact. I made sure of it.

B: How?

A: Well I talked to my boss, which is also a fan of your work, and he happened to talk to the president that he told my boss that he loves your work. That’s why I say before, that I heard it.

B: I see. Now that’s a fact. I shall accept that.

A: Thank you.

B: What was the question again?

A: I haven’t asked.

B: Oh okay.

A: Since you’ve reached the attention of the president, why would you stay in this town? Why don’t you move to the city where every famous people do, instead of persistently staying here, far from the reach of the crowd.

B: I’ve answered it already; I won’t change a thing about me. Deal with it. Next.

A: Okay. Uuum.. Have you ..

B: Sorry to cut, but I have to tell you one thing. We love this town and also the house we built together from nothing. So to leave that behind, it’s impossible to imagine. Especially, I love the solitude here. I bet it’s hardly available in the city.

A: Thank you for the information.

B: No. You better write it down and publish that.

A: I sure will. [I let out an awkward chuckle]

B: Good. What were you saying again?

A: Have you heard about the rumor that you guys aren’t quite compatible for each other?

B: Who said that?

A: A lot of people. The news, famous psychiatrists, horoscope people, et cetera.

B: Well, we are still here even after 10 years passed. Some of them got the praise for having the ‘relationship goal’ thingy and didn’t even make 3 years together. So I guess people should stop to listen to shit like that and start to mind their own fucking business.

A: But before we do, do you mind to clarify that you both are having the free sex thing even when you’re married?

B: [giggle] You better answer that!

[silence creeps into the room]

C: [stopped looking out the window] Why me?

A: So you were listening?

B: [laughing] He really knows a bit about us. Funny guy!

A: Where did I go wrong?

[nobody’s talking] [she’s still giggling]

C: No you are not wrong. Never said that. She only said you only knew a bit about us.

A: Okay, would you mind to answer the question?

C: Do I have to? [He looks at her]

B: Your call.

[pause]

C: [sigh] Well I shouldn’t say something that would intrigue problems, should I?

A: So may I take that as a yes to the question?

C: You are free to conclude anything you want. Just like our arts. Some of them like it because it’s related to them, like the president and your boss [so he really listened even he looked outside the whole time], and some don’t. It’s that simple.

A: Is it true that once she had an affair with (another artist’s name)?

C: Since you’re really passionate about this kind of thing, let me tell you this; sex is just a bodily activity. Without you pouring your heart in it, I think it’s fine.

A: So it’s true?

C: You are free to think so. Either way, she’s still my wife, isn’t she?

A: You’re okay with that?

C: With what?

A: Your wife is having a sexual relationship with others?

[pause] [he looks outside the window]

[she’s looking at him, hand on her chin]

C: [still looking out] do you have a girl?

A: I’m engaged.

C: Do you masturbate?

A: What?

[she’s laughing big time]

C: [he looks back inside; at me. Deep into me, looking for an answer] Are you still masturbating even you have a girl?

A: What does it got ..

C: You want me to answer your question, then answer this.

[pause]

[I don’t think I will publish this part]

A: I do. But because she’s far from me.

B: Where is she?

A: In Europe. She works there.

C: Okay. Let’s see it that way.

[I’m confused here]

C: You made love with your hands [she’s still laughing big time] knowing you have your fiancée, that I believe, you love so very much. So why is it a big deal when we or some other couples out there doing what you suggest that we’re doing it wrong?

A: I don’t follow.

C: You made love with your hands, you have a fiancée, but will you marry your hands?

[She’s laughing even harder]

C: Of course not. Because legally, I think, it’s not possible. And you love your fiancée, not your hands. Even so, you still did it; made love with your hands.

A: It’s different!

C: Tell me how is it different?

A: Because I did it with myself and it got nothing to do with other person.

C: Of course it does! You have your fiancée. She’s in the equation by default. So may I take it because you got your heart with your fiancée not your hands?

[silence]

[he looks at his hands, then back at me]

C: Then you’re not that different than me. She got my heart and it will not change unless one of us decided to give each other’s heart back.

[they hold hands. She looks deeply into him. He smiles with a lot of affection to her.]

A: Do you have someone right now to do the same thing as she did to you?

[silence. They let go of their hands. He looks at her and smiles]

C: I shall not answer that for it will affect how the world sees her, won’t it? [he answers while still looking at her]

A: May I take that as a no and she’s the only one having such activity?

[he looks at me with sadness in his eyes. I feel bad for asking]

C: I did not say that. And like I said before, you may take whatever assumption as you pleased, but it will not change that there is a fact only the two of us know, and I refuse to share that fact to you. It’s as simple as that.

A: May I write it down and publish the information you just gave me?

[he smiles a calm smile]

C: Sure! If not, you’d fail your job and maybe have to come back to the city, right? With what you have so far, you might get a bit of attention for what is written and might have to get another interview with us. Isn’t that good?

A: Okay.. Shall we carry on?

B: And you should have more research on us, before that second interview, or I will not see you!

A: I sure will, ma’am!

[he looks outside again, as if lost the intention to stay in the room. She takes out her shoes and puts her feet up and cross it on the chair. He rubs her knee, the closest knee to him, and looks outside again.]

A: What is the biggest problem you found, making those amazing arts?

B: Ego.

[I can see he’s smiling even he’s looking outside]

A: Elaborate, please.

B: Yeah, to enjoy art, one needs to let go of their egos. Nobody should come with it to our gallery. Not to say that you won’t be allowed to get in, but it is just impossible to have a good time in our gallery. But you can, of course.

[someone gets in to the room and tells us that the mayor is arriving, and they need to be there.]

B: Guess your time is up, new guy!

[he stands up and looking at her putting her shoes back.]

A: Mind if I ask one more question?

B: Make it quick!

A: Sure! How do you see yourself in five years from now?

B: Here. Being with him. That’s for sure.

A: No. I mean with your art and all.

B: Well isn’t life itself an art you make?

[and they leave the room holding hands with a smile. The most charming smile I’ve ever seen. I suddenly miss my fiancée.]