Another Convoluted Conversation

“I don't know about those days, anyway,” Marilyn said. “The Vietnamese people were dying, and we kept on worrying about the price of drugs,” she complained.

“It's not much different now,” Dogger Gatsby said. “The students in China are dying now, and we continue to worry about Literature.”

“Literature's probably more valuable, don't you think?”

“Probably. But the Vietnamese and Chinese may not think it.”

“Touché.” Marilyn laughed.

“Does that word have anything to do with 'touch'?” he asked.

“Oh... Well, I really don't know. Why?”

“Just checking. Hoping.”

“Oh, Mr. Gatsby, get outta town!” she laughed.

He laughed too, but didn’t leave town. He sat down beside her and hoped for the best.

5th draft: 02/09/07
©2003 Ronald C. Southern