Letter to the editor - Abortion

Regarding your feature in the September issue I have a point or two to make in addition to your somewhat chauvinist point of view on the tender question of abortion.

First of all, there can be no talk of going actively into every situation and from thereon conclude as to whether an abortion can be legal – it should be an universal right of all women to have the chance to get an abortion, no matter what some dick-counsel decides. Who are you to sit at your fancy desk with your high salary and altogether comment on whether my daughter, my neighbour or somebody’s niece should be granted an abortion? You do not know anything about the situation or about the people involved.

Second of all, if a case that happened to involve one of your own daughters you would not think twice if she had been raped on her way home from work a Saturday night, would you? No! You would rush her to the nearest abortion clinic and get it removed, protecting her from giving birth to her rapists child.

Your feature reeks with double standards and I demand a written apology to all women in your upcoming issue!

Hills Like White Elephants - Prose

Sitting on the sofa by the hotel´s window, the girl enjoys the landscape. She tells herself she should remember this moment. It is going to be memorable day, one way or another. She should remember every bit of it. She looks at the hills and she fancies they resemble white elephants. She should remember to mention that to him. The American does love those silly remarks she makes about everyday things. He loves her. That is what he says, at least. Now she wonders though how deep his love for her goes. Is he willing to support her and her decisions no matter what? She does not know.

It is easy to love while travelling, looking at things and trying new drinks. However, when the scenario changes, feelings might also change. Will he still love her, if she tells him she will not take the train? Will she still love him, if she ends up regretting doing as he thought best? Will she still love herself once it is done? Maybe she already stopped caring about herself.

She stands up and straightens her blouse. She tries one more time, but still cannot button up the lowest part. She must have gained some weight, she thinks.  What would she look like in a couple of months? She does not know. It depends on what they decide to do now. 

He is done packing now. She gets her purse and hat and heads for the door. It is time to go to the  station to catch the train. Maybe they can have a beer or two while they wait. Maybe she can tell him about the hills like white elephants and he will laugh. Maybe she can get him to change his mind.

Based on "Hills Like White Elephants"

Genre: ‘News’ article (intended to be a bit humorous)

Based on: Hills Like White Elephants

American in custody for wanting to kill a child!

This past Friday, an American young man was reported of having pressured a girl into getting an abortion. They were seen Friday afternoon at Bar Madrid by the train station just outside Madrid and later at the train station itself. Eyewitnesses tell us that they saw the American and the girl drinking beer at the bar, where after they proceeded to go outside waiting for the train. They were talking in loud voices, with the American the loudest, and even though the word ‘abortion’ was not mentioned, it was still very clear that this was what they were talking about. It was obvious to the eyewitnesses that the girl was hesitant and had not yet decided which decision she was going to make. A source tells us that the relationship between the American and the girl had long been on the rocks and what happened is, therefore, not surprising.

After eyewitnesses had called the police, the American was taken into custody and is now awaiting his verdict. Sources close to the victim tells us that she is doing seemingly fine. No comment has yet been received on whether or not she decides to go through with the abortion.

Hemingway in drinking joint shock

A young couple were seen in a local bar in Spain, waiting for an express train to take them to Madrid.  The Los Viajeros bar is a welcome refuge to railway passengers.  Sunday’s temperatures were in the 30's, and the bar was packed with locals and travellers alike, said the station manager.  A local man commented that the weather  was not unusual for the time of year. 

While awaiting the up-train from Barcelona, the couple were drinking beer and anise in the station bar.  The waitress said that the man, apparently an American, and his female companion seemed to be in dispute.  The man, who appeared to be the older of the two, seemed to be pressing the woman to take a particular action. Those present at the scene stated that the hat-wearing young woman was standing up for herself. Backpackers in the bar observed merely that anise is refreshing on a hot day.  Speculation on whether the young woman was pregnant cannot be confirmed.  The writer Ernest Hemingway, famous for his participation in and writings of of the Spanish Civil War is known to be touring Spain with a companion.  His agent was not available for comment.