absolutism

[eor]

The other night I was talking with derien about the bit of Anais Nin's diary I had just finished reading. After discussing how I felt she had blown what could have been a very good thing through her view of everything in absolutes (black or white), I came to my conclusion and took a breath.

derien said, "What a sad life. I can only feel pity for her. I will never again feel anything for her but pity."

I was surprised. Though the sentiment was valid, it was not a statement I would expect from derien. For about a quarter of a second I just sat there.

Then I laughed and said, "Oh, you awful absolutist you!"

You see for the past five volumes of diary I've been quoting bits of Nin's writing to derien. She has been quietly absorbing all that I've quoted. She replied to me not only from the viewpoint that Nin herself would have, but with similar words, and even the tone I imagine Nin would use delivering such a line. She had condensed all I'd said to one line delivered in character in the perfect way.

derien often says she's the slow one. Sometimes I feel like a cow staring at a passing train. :)