The Gift

The girl was intent on reading.

"So, why do you read only English books?" I asked.

She was lost for a moment. And she looked into nothingness, like many other times.

"So, why do you read only English books?" I repeated myself.

The nothingness drifted out, but lingered around somewhat.

"I like English books, just as.. I like to watch television." She answered. Or at least she thought she knew the answer.

"Oh. And why so?"

She frowned and thought deeply, very deeply.

"I like to watch television."

"Why?" I was curious, very curious.

"Other people like to watch television," She struggled.

"That's not proper."

She hesitated, then looked around.

"I.. I'm not sure."

"Alright."

Again there was none else in the room. I wasn't. All things were never past nor present. They were here, there, nowhere. Her mind was wandering through a...wall.

"Alright then." I said louder, in attempt to reaffirm my being. I'd certainly prove that I was more worthy than a mere wall. I mean, it was just a wall.

"Would you like me to give you your own reasons for liking to watch television?" I offered.

"Of course!" This time she made eye contact.

She would like to watch television because it was entertaining, I propounded.

"Okay. Yes, now I feel that it is entertaining."

I astutely took my chance at incentives.

"Would you like some sweets?" A little too cliche?

"No."

"Why?"

She won't eat sweets till the 26th of August, but she could eat sweets forever after that.

"That's fine. I'll save them till then."

And once again, I was one who wasn't, an apparition who may or may not have nudged the folds of reality.