“What would you do if I told you that I’ve been sleeping with another man?”
“Have you?”
“No, just imagine. What would you say?”
“Great. Did you enjoy it?”
“It means you don’t care about me. You don’t love me.”
“Quite the contrary. It means that I don’t want to own you, or decide over you. You have all the freedom you want. If there is anything you would like to explore, you can do it.”
“Do you really mean it?”
“Yes”
“Wouldn’t you be jealous?”
“No. Jealousy is a sign of uncertainty. I’m not uncertain. I trust you. It’s been you and me for a quarter of a century, and it will remain so. I don’t need to keep you on a leash.”
“You’re unbelievable”
“Maybe.”
(Excerpt from my so-called novel, in progress. Painting by Arne Ekeland)
Amazing photo. But the concept of freedom in love. It's too Frenchie to me. I think jealousy and rage can be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteFire and Cross
Enid: My protagonist is a very liberal person, in all respects, and has a somewhat unconventional view on a few things, but he also has some important principles.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to play around with when writing, and I hope it will also be provocative to some (my childish joy, hehe)
More great paintings by the same artist here
I really enjoyed that passage. I admire the confidence of the speaker!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. And I like the Frenchieness (sorry, Enid...)
ReplyDeleteCool post, Cold as Heaven! I think it sounds like a really interesting conversation between husband and wife.
ReplyDeleteI already have these two characters in mind, staring at a dark ceiling in the night, whispering these thoughts and talking about this subject in the darkness of their master bedroom. At least, that's the picture I get since it's only dialogue.
Write on!
Very interesting relationship your characters have. It would be interesting to read how this idea develops and where it might lead the two of them.
ReplyDeleteLydia: Thanks. The protagonist is a 40-something guy and has had the time to build this confidence through a long-lasting relationship
ReplyDeleteJill: Some Frenchiness can be cool >:)
Vatche: Thanks. It's not yet completely clear to me what setting for the conversation will be. Dialog is what I write first (since I enjoy it the most), and then I add the setting. Maybe they end up in a dark master bedroom, we'll see
Helen: Thanks. This relationship is an important part of my so-called novel, and closely tied to the plot (it's a crime novel). It's a very speculative novel. Sex and crime is what sells, isn't it >:D
Wow, that's quite an excerpt, I'm not sure what the man in my life would say in the same situation. I doubt he would be as understanding.
ReplyDeleteCD
Wow, fascinating excerpt. Great dialogue. Makes me wonder about the nature of their relationship that he could give her that kind of freedom...
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued.
I'm drawn in and curious. I'm not quite believing them, so I want to read more to see where these words and actions go.
ReplyDeleteClarissa: There's only one way to find out; you have to ask him the same questions >:)
ReplyDeleteJennifer: Thanks. It's the kind of relationship that can develop over a long time, I think, but not yet sure where they go from here.
Mary: The dialog is inspired by a real conversation. The continuation will, however, be fiction. Since this is work in progress, I'm not yet sure what the actions and their consequences will be (I have some ideas though). Time will show ...
Oh I would hate a partner like that :( Very intriguing I must say, it was very nice of you to share it with us!
ReplyDeleteWhat an exceptional painting too, good to be back and hope you had a wonderful holiday season