Under the Mango Tree: 101 Tales (4)

ENDINGS

Challenge No.73. Opposites Attract.

Write a scene in which two characters play opposites to each other.

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Nick and Nora Pierre-Louis sat across from each other, they had been in love... once and no one understood how it was possible.

Their family and friends adjusted the song to describe them. Nick was as black as the night, while Nora was whiter than white. Nick had suggested that she was a Euro-albino. The opposites didn't stop there. Nick was tall and lanky; Nora was short and round. Nick was a meat lover, as a true-blue Saint Lucian, he enjoyed all things meat. Nora was a diehard vegan. Organic at that. Nick was an artist; she was a scientist. When they looked at the Saint Lucian Parrot, he saw the Jako while she saw the Amazona versicolour. When they discussed the possibility of dragons in Soufriere Bay, he saw the Draak while she saw the Oceanum Drago Karayib Luciana.

Yet despite what appeared as insurmountable obstacles, Nick and Nora had bonded. They shared the same love of life, the same horror of war and same sense of humour. Nick told a wicked joke and Nora appreciated every nuance of his tales.

Nick made wine and called it 'Seasonal' because he'd use whatever fruit was in season at the time. With the arrival of Nora, who complimented the brew with her scientific background, the wine went from a product known only to family and friends, to a gold medal winner at international festivals.

They'd married.

Had four boys.

Had ten grandchildren.

Woke up one morning and realised it was all over. Had they'd been paying attention, maybe they would have noticed the erosion. But with such differences between them, they had not.

Now here they were. Seated at a two-meter-long conference table with their respective lawyers doing the talking.

"As agreed, and instructed by Nora and confirmed by Nick, this is how the assets will be assigned." Paul, Lawyer to Nora said.

"It is necessary to confirm that what you instructed has been captured accurately." Saunders, Nick's lawyer added.

The couple didn't answer.

"Right! Here goes. Nick gets the house in Choiseul where he can continue his work. Nora gets the house in Castries. All gifts given over the years remain with the receiver. The vehicles were already owned solely by each of you. So that stands. There are no young children, so there is no need to discuss visitation rights."

Paul stopped.

Still no response.

"Sign where you see the arrows." Saunders slid the papers over.

Nora signed.

Then Nick.

She stood, nodded to all three men, and then walked out. Once Nick was sure she was away, he too stood. Shook hands with the lawyers and left.

"I've done this more times than I care to admit. This is the first time I have ever and I mean ever; seen neither party speak. Not one word out of either of them." Paul commented.

"I suppose when all is said and done, there is nothing left to be said and done."

© 12 May 2022

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