Indifference

"I Don't Like This"

Day 1

Dylan wakes up and goes downstairs to have breakfast. Even though his bedroom door faces Yue's, he does not even notice if her door is open or not. He has no idea where she is, but he is not even thinking about it.

After breakfast, he goes to his studio for his online classes; he has his MBA to focus on, even if he is now studying from home.

Yue went to the gym, which is in the basement, by the pool, and then she took a shower. She is now in her room teaching her English classes. She has not thought about Dylan either.

This goes on for the first 2 days: they do not even detect the other is there in the house as well.

Day 3 of lockdown

Yue talks to her father on the phone:

"How are you doing, dear?"

"Fine. But I can't believe I'm stuck in this house with a stranger!"

"What? What do you mean a stranger? You've been married 8 months. Don't you two ever talk?"

"Talk to that shallow and pretentious guy? Uh uh. I cannot remember his voice, actually... We never even say good morning! He never acknowledges my presence."

"Do you acknowledge his presence?"

Yue cannot say she does. Honestly, she never notices if he's around or not. She assumes he is there somewhere, but she cannot be sure... This guy is the perfect roommate, a ghost could not be a more silent companion. He is so neat that she cannot even tell if he ever eats or drinks something.

"My child, try talking to him. Ask him something. We might be stuck at home for a while. Befriend him at least."

"A while in this prison? NO!"

"Yes, dear. Please, try to be approachable. You two are in this together."

"Argh! Ok! I will try! No promises!"

Meanwhile in Dylan's room he is talking to his mother:

"Mom, can I come home for the lockdown? Please? This solitude is horrible."

"Solitude? Didi, you cannot leave your wife alone!"

"Who? Oh... You mean Shen Yue. I'm sure she won't notice I'm gone. I am not even sure she is here..."

"What do you mean?"

"We never talk. I have no idea who she is or what she does. She does not even say hello to me. Why would she care if I'm gone? I bet she preferred it if I weren't here. I only notice the mess she leaves in the kitchen... That brat!"

"Son, are you serious? 8 months and you have never talked to one another?"

"Nope. Never. Not once. I have no idea what she does all day."

"Oh, dear heaven. Son, you have to get to know who you married!"

"Why? We are getting a divorce soon, right?"

"Ahem, it might be more complicated than we thought... But let's not focus on that now. Say hello to the woman next time you see her, for my sake!"

"What do you mean by complicated?! Mom?"

"Now is not the time, Didi. You cannot do much until this epidemic is over."

"Ugh... Alright, ma. For you I will stay here and try to talk to the woman... Bye... I love you..."

Yue is passing by Dylan's room when she hears him say "I love you" in a sweet tone and stumbles. She falls on the hallway making a thump and then complains about the pain.