I said. I'm a maid. I'm a dancer, she said. She stuck her elbows out and snapped her fingers. Well, I said. I get paid. Well, she said. I get applause. Well, I said. I get paid and with that money I rent an apartment and buy food. And a television. Well, she said. I get applause and with that affirmation of my amazing talent I feel happy and confident and cool. Well, I said. Enjoy your life as a dancer. Well, she said. Enjoy your life as a maid. Thanks, I will, I said. Good, she said. We walked in grim silence towards something else.
"I said. I'm a maid." "I'm a dancer," she replied, sticking out her elbows and snapping her fingers. We exchanged statements about our lives, contrasting our work and experiences. I explained that I get paid and can afford to rent an apartment, buy food, and own a television, while she shared that her applause from performing makes her feel happy, confident, and cool.
We acknowledged each other's lifestyles with mutual respect, then parted ways in silence, each appreciating the other's life choices. The conversation highlights differences in economic means and how individuals derive satisfaction from their work, ending on a note of quiet understanding.
