The Spirit of Science Fiction by Roberto Bolano

'What are you drinking?'

'Tequila.'

'Vodka here. Vodka is a strange drink, isn't it? It's not what most women would choose. Vodka neat.'


'I don't know what women drink.'

'Oh, no? Anyway, it doesn't matter. A woman's drink is always secret. Her true drink, I mean. Her infinite pour. But never mind. It's such a clear night, isn't it? From here we can see the farthest towns and the most distant stars.'

'That's an optical illusion, miss. If you look carefully, you'll observe that the windows are oddly fogged. Go out on the terrace. I believe we're in the middle of the woods. Practically all we can see are tree branches.'

'Then those are paper stars, of course. But what about the town lights?'

'Phosphorescent sand.'

'You're so clever. Please, tell me about your work. Yourself and your work.'

'I feel a little nervous, you know? All these people singing and dancing nonstop, I'm not...'

'Don't you like the party?'

'I think everyone is drunk.'

'They're the winners and runners-up of all the previous prizes.'

'Good god.'

'They're celebrating the end of another contest. It's... natural.'

Translated from Spanish by Natasha Wimmer