Brazilian Stories >
Narcissus
To be handsome, vain, intelligent. Eternal youth had always
been his goal. His beauty, an infallible weapon of conquest, combined with his
seduction skills, was always a great advantage in his relationship with women.
Since he was very young, his clear eyes granted him success
among the opposite sex. His features, his easy-going demeanor, his abilities to
charm others led to certain success. And he enjoyed it. One could say he
perfected it throughout his entire life.
He got married young. That episode must have not been
considered a happy one. Perhaps a good investment. She came from a wealthy
family. Beauty and financial stability are not stressful. Peace of mind
prolongs physical appearance. No circles under one’s eyes, no unnecessary
worries...
He continued with his life of conquests. Secretly, of
course. But, even so, it would still interfere with his marriage. In spite of
having children, they separated. There were rumors of children out of wedlock,
albeit unconfirmed.
They spent some time apart, but decided to live together
again. They carried on like that until the children were of age. Then each of
them went their own way. At first their relationship wasn’t good, but time
heals everything and eventually they even became good friends. They went out
for dinner, theater.
He was a good father, a good friend, a good lover. He
carried on with his career throughout the years. A bit under secrecy, because
the fact that he had another woman, who he kept a bit under secrecy, didn’t
stop him from exchanging warm looks with every young, seductive lady that
crossed his path, under any circumstance, be it in the workplace or a social
setting.
Time passed. Age increased. Conquests diminished. He became
crankier, as it tends to happen with older men. Until she had enough. She left.
She was fed up with living almost in a cloister. He was left alone. He couldn’t
understand why he had no one.
He tried to get back together with the mother of his
children. In vain. She was cured of the passion of her youth.
He was left with only the mirror, his eternal companion,
where he studied his wrinkles, which were becoming more and more visile to his
utter despair.
ISABEL VARGAS is a teacher and attorney retired from public
office. She specializes in language and technology and has published over 300
articles in the Diário da Manhã, a newspaper in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul.
She contributes to publications by The Brazilian Chamber of
Young Authors (CBJE) and has contributed to the publication of over 100 books.
Isabel has earned several awards, including first place and
honorable mentions for her short stories, articles, and poetry. She wrote book
prefaces for publisher Celeiro de Escritores and worked on literary reviewing.
She also had work published in Varal do Brasil, an on-line Swiss magazine.
Translated by
CAROLINA ALFARO
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