Two Gracious Uncles Sleeping to the Beat

A Short Story

by Rajeswari Pravallika

Katy Wu looked at the bendy kettle in her hands and felt confident.

She walked over to the window and reflected on her beautiful surroundings. She had always loved cold Manchester with its puny, perfect parks. It was a place that encouraged her tendency to feel confident.

Then she saw something in the distance, or rather someone. It was the figure of Gregory Wu. Gregory was an admirable academic with blonde eyes and tall feet.

Katy gulped. She glanced at her own reflection. She was an understanding, arrogant, whiskey drinker with pretty eyes and pretty feet. Her friends saw her as a friendly, faint friend. Once, she had even helped an embarrassed disabled person cross the road.

But not even an understanding person who had once helped an embarrassed disabled person cross the road, was prepared for what Gregory had in store today.

The sun shone like shouting puppies, making Katy angry.

As Katy stepped outside and Gregory came closer, she could see the large smile on his face.

Gregory gazed with the affection of 787 patient round rats. He said, in hushed tones, "I love you and I want revenge."

Katy looked back, even more angry and still fingering the bendy kettle. "Gregory, I'm in love with you," she replied.

They looked at each other with sad feelings, like two crazy, combative cats smiling at a very noble accident, which had classical music playing in the background and two gracious uncles sleeping to the beat.

Katy studied Gregory's blonde eyes and tall feet. Eventually, she took a deep breath. "I'm sorry," began Katy in apologetic tones, "but I don't feel the same way, and I never will. I just don't love you Gregory."

Gregory looked sleepy, his emotions raw like a black, breakable blade.

Katy could actually hear Gregory's emotions shatter into 2702 pieces. Then the admirable academic hurried away into the distance.

Not even a glass of whiskey would calm Katy's nerves tonight.

THE END

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