005 - [Action]
[A camper, who looks to be about sixteen turning seventeen, or maybe seventeen already, is sitting on a large wooden chest. He actually just turned fifteen, but no one need know that. He wants to be reading a book right now, something poetic or maybe something strange, but books are for smart children, and he doesn't want to appear too clever, not
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"I apologize for being late. My joker of a boyfriend kept me. He wanted me to help him catch rats-- as if! He can be so disarmingly disgusting at times." [She shakes her head, then perches her chin on the back of her fingers.]
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You're still dating him? Wait. Why did he want to catch rats? [He just shakes his head and takes the book, opening the cover and flipping through some pages.]
Pevear and Volokhonsky translation. Thank you. You know, I can't stand reading Dostoevsky's work when its translated by Constance Garnett. It's still good, of course, but I prefer my Russian novels to actually be Russian, in some aspects. [Scoffs. Constance Garnett always makes everything so British.]
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At the book, she nods.] "Agreed. I'm endeavoring to learn the language for the sake of enjoying his works in their original vision, but it's a hint for difficult than I might have given it credit for."
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I intend to learn it too, but I'm trying to perfect my Mandarin first. [That would be his fifth language.] It really is incredible to read the works in their original. Have you read Nietzsche in German?
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[Her fourth instrument, after violin, flute, and piano.]
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You didn't tell me you were tackling the harp next, no. That would be your... fourth instrument, wouldn't it? Your talent for music will always excel my own. I can only play the piano, and I lack the passion and creativity that makes a true virtuoso.
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[At the latter, she nods.] "Mm, yes, my fourth. I appreciate your encouragement, Adrian, even if it is unintentionally given. What of your own studies? Are you still insisting upon pursuing an education in business?"
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You know that I'll always encourage you in whatever you choose to do, so long as it harms no one. As for my own studies? Well, business is a safe option and my parents have no objection. I would rather major in classics and Mediterranean studies, though that would be impractical. [A frown for a moment, then a smile.]
You'll probably laugh, but sometimes I think about not going to college at all. I'd rather spend time traveling, instead.
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"A vagabond?" [She seems appalled.] "Why ever would you wish to discard your life and your prospects so thoroughly? When you are successful and well-established, you will have plenty of money to travel without tarnishing your reputation or living on the street as a beggar. I support you traveling, but do it when it will not destroy you."
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... Well, I feel like it would be cheating if I was well established and successful only because of my parent's money. I think starting from nowhere and then working my way up to owning the world would feel much more legitimate.
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"There's nothing wrong with continuing an empire rather than building your own. Sometimes it's a matter of luck and timing as much as anything else. To discard your family's inheritance for the sake of starting fresh is a fair idea, certainly, but what does that have to do with foregoing college and traveling?" [An uncomfortable pause.] "You need to figure out precisely what it is that you want, Adrian, before you make the wrong decision and throw your life away."
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Actually, I'd give it to charity, probably.
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