On Matters of Equality

On Matters of Equality

‘Oranges,’ she said, 'are superior to apples, far more intelligently evolved. I know; I’ve lived where oranges grow.’

Surely I must have misunderstood her.

‘How can you say that? They’re just different.’

‘Oh,’ she said, ‘I meant how apples are so tasteless, so lacking nutrition ... so nothing’ — her voice carelessly contemptuous.  ‘Oranges are bright, juicy, tangy, strong in Vitamin C. They have a bite. I love them for it.’ (Taking my agreement for granted.)

I was speechless. I mean, I grew up with apples.

I sent an email, a list of links. Let objective facts clarify what I'd been too struck dumb to articulate over the phone. ‘These,' I said, 'are apples which are tasty and nutritionally rich’ – referring her to specific examples of each; adding, ‘Despite apparent differences, fruit is fruit’; elaborating on that. I thought if I explained logically, she must see.

I thought she’d have a bit of a laugh at herself, like, ‘Goodness, silly me!’ And I’d laugh gently with her — because, after all, she couldn't possibly have meant....

Days passed. No response. I realised she must be feeling insulted, hurt.

Meanwhile it was necessary for her to reply to something in an earlier message. She did, saying the right, expected words for that topic. She closed without love or kisses — instead, the farewell she always uses after physical meetings: 'Go well'. So I understood she was saying goodbye. She’d know I wouldn't miss it.

‘Bugger that,' I thought. 'You don’t get rid of me that easily'. It was her birthday a few days later. I sent good wishes, and gratitude for all the good qualities of her birth sign, of which I’ve been on the receiving end these many years.

If her silence was only embarrassment over her remarks, she'd surely answer.

Nothing.

Well, I had to try. Such a long, dear friendship. And never any cause, before, to think she despised apples.

I might have let it slide, it being her. But, just one day before that conversation, I'd made a vow: always to speak up in defence of equality whenever occasion arose. The Universe tests us, when we make a commitment! 

And no, I’m not really speaking of apples and oranges.



I'm always glad and grateful to receive comments on my work, including this, only I don't feel able to respond to anything you may care to say on this (sadly non-fictional) piece.

Shared with Writers' Pantry #30 at Poets and Storytellers United.