𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 | g. w

54. "the picture of dorian gray"

"You know, funnily enough, 'Dorian Gray' happens to be my favorite book of all time."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Just, the way Oscar Wilde captures the power of one simple realisation had me hooked from the very start. His investigation into the human soul, the power of vanity and the problems of living a life with not a single consequence for your actions is just so—ah,  I don't even—"

"It's truly powerful stuff."

My smile grows slightly as I listen to Dorian. His exploration of the book seems to mirror my own ponderings about life's intricacies. His journey through the pages feels like a reflection of our shared human experience—swaying between moments of beauty and decay, much like a pendulum. The way he discusses the consequences, or sometimes the absence of them, in the story leaves a lasting impression on how I come to view the world.

"Absolutely," I respond, feeling a familiar warmth spreading within as we share our reverence for Wilde's masterpiece. "The exploration of moral decay and the external portrayal of innocence while harboring hidden turmoil—it's all so hauntingly profound."

Dorian's eyes gleam with a shared understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the layers beneath the surface of the novel. "It's as if Wilde penned a reflection of the human condition, painting the struggles and desires that often remain veiled beneath our facades," he adds, his voice carrying a depth that resonates with my own reflections.

As the discussion slowly simmers into a comfortable silence, the bustling atmosphere of the book cafe continues its steady rhythm around us. I can't help but marvel at the unexpected connection sparked by our mutual admiration for literature—a connection that transcends the confines of mere conversation.

Dorian glances at his watch, a subtle indication that much time has passed. "I should be heading out, but I'm glad we could share this conversation. I'm especially happy I got to see and talk to you again", he says, his eyes lingering for a moment longer before preparing to head off.

"Likewise," I reply with a faint smile, feeling a sense of gratitude for of our interaction and having learned more about him as well as the world. As he leaves, the cafe seems quieter, yet alive with the echo of our shared musings, leaving me with an unspoken anticipation for the possibility of future encounters.

(...)

The book cafe provides a familiar sanctuary, enveloping me in the cozy atmosphere of literature. Dorian's arrival brings a welcomed interruption, his bright smile greeting me warmly as we settle into our usual literary discussions.

Engrossed in our conversation about beloved authors and books, I can't shake a subtle sense that something is different about Dorian today. He appears slightly restless, casually tapping his fingers against the table in an irregular rhythm. His gaze wanders around the cafe, occasionally fixating on certain spots as if searching for something elusive.

"Everything alright?" I inquire, noticing his slight distraction but not overly concerned.

"Yeah, just feeling a bit scattered today," Dorian responds with a nonchalant smile, attempting to downplay any unease.

Our conversation continues, each topic flowing smoothly, but there are fleeting moments where Dorian's behavior strikes me as particularly unusual. He unexpectedly interjects in the middle of discussing our favorite authors, steering the conversation slightly off course with a subtle assertiveness.

"You're not quite seeing it," Dorian interjects, his tone more decisive than usual, causing me to pause briefly, surprised by the sudden shift. "Though I agree with most of your assessments, there is something obvious you are missing."

While I find the interruption surprising, I attribute it to a momentary change in Dorian's engagement rather than anything amiss. Despite these sporadic deviations from his usual demeanor, I chalk it up to the natural ebb and flow of conversation, choosing to focus on the joy of our shared literary musings.

The fleeting nuances in Dorian's behaviour linger as subtle observations in my mind, leaving me with a vague sense of something different, yet I can't quite put her finger on what it might be. Still, I find comfort in the familiar exchange of ideas, even amidst the subtle irregularities in Dorian's behavior.

However, as the day progresses, I can't seem to shake the lingering sense of something subtly different about Dorian. His occasional restlessness and the unexpected assertiveness during our chat stays at the back of my mind, leaving me with a faint feeling of curiosity.

As Dorian bids farewell, expressing gratitude for the enjoyable conversation, I watch him leave with a sense of mild intrigue. My thoughts linger on the day's interaction, a puzzle I can't quite solve but don't feel the need to ponder further.

Returning my attention to my book, I immerse herself in its pages, dismissing the fleeting sense of unease surrounding Dorian's behavior. It's a day like any other, and while there is a hint of something out of place, I let it fade into the background, content to enjoy the solace of the book cafe without delving into further speculation.

That's a mystery to be solved another day.