Standing still in the middle of the department store, facing the beauty packs, Antal hesitates. The pink and orange boxes show assortments: bath oil, cleansing milk and moisturizing cream. Yes, but what if his wife throws the pack in his face? “What do you want me to do with that? Do you believe I can loll in the tub, with three kids squalling, and supper to fix?” Silvana handles her housewife chores to perfection, but when it comes to gentleness, she resembles Martha more than Mary.
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| She resembles Martha more than Mary. |
In the story, Mary listens to Jesus while bathing his feet. Antal pictures the young woman, with beautiful black hair and a little white dress. She is on the same wavelength as the Christ. For her part, Martha never stops; she washes, cooks, sets the table. Yet, they say it clearly in the end: Martha should have devoted herself more to Jesus. But, not eating ever, Antal thinks, how long could Jesus have completed miracles? At this pace, it might rather have been naps he would have completed. Or straight out relinquishment. Yes, at the end of the day, the more Antal thinks about it, the more he blames Mary for reaping the reward while Martha is working herself to death.
Because with Jesus, there is a time for everything—one for acting, one for thriving. That's what Antal likes about him, whether or not he existed. Antal, too, works, and afterwards he unwinds. Having a drink among friends, playing with the children, watching a movie with Silvana. That woman is hard-headed, but she knows life. He can rely on her for the kids to study or eat their vegetables. To sum up, they make a good team.
Antal puts down the pack that clutters his stubby hands. Two aisles further, he chooses a box of chocolates and perfume. Finally, he grabs a bunch of flowers at the cash register. He does not reflect on his presents' banality. Neither does Silvana. She only assesses their practicality, along with her husband's generosity. Yes, she thinks, in turn. They make a good team.
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