GASTON: how I tire of wealth and influence
how money bores me
MADAME ALVAREZ: we are glad you find time to visit our small apartment
the electricity is out at the moment, I hope you don’t mind
GASTON: how I tire of my string of wealthy mistresses
of the eyes of the world, always upon me
of the endless parties, of the new cars, the gallery openings, the nightclubs and the cafes
MADAME ALVAREZ: well
as you know
we are very poor
GASTON: yes, and I love that about you
promise me you will always be poor
everyone else in my life is rich and tiresome but you
MADAME ALVAREZ: if only there were some solution to both of our problems
you, who are so tired of wealth
and my family, which is, as I mentioned before, extremely poor –
GASTON: it is such a comfort to me, how poor you are
knowing you will never be jaded by the pleasures of the idle rich
if only you could get poorer and simpler by the day
MADAME ALVAREZ: well
as always
thank you for visiting and sharing our humble supper
perhaps next time we could have dinner at your home
GASTON: it would be so tiresome
all they ever serve at home are pheasants and champagne
GIGI: I am so hungry
GASTON: ahahaha
how you amuse me, Gigi
delightful
[a pause]
well, I’m off
GIGI: hello, Gaston
GASTON: what is this
what in the hell is this
GIGI: it’s a new dress
GASTON: I hate it
you look like an adult human
like a woman who might
go inside of a building
or have a conversation with someone wearing a hat
they’ve absolutely ruined you
I remember when you were a giraffe wearing a mud suit living in a cave
you were splendid then
GIGI: I can go change if you prefer –
GASTON: no, don’t bother
you’re ruined now
Mallory is an Editor of The Toast.