Gas||The Silent Imitator

And then came the end of school. It was time to choose a university. After discussing all the possible options with your parents, you decided to apply to Paris. It took a long time for a reply to arrive, but eventually a letter did come. After reading it, you were delighted and excited about the task ahead: you had to film a short video to demonstrate your skills. After thinking about it for three days straight, you decided to portray a mime. The video was reshot several times, but it was worth it… You were accepted. It turned out to be a funny mime act, even though it was hard work. As you said goodbye to your family, everyone had tears in their eyes from a mixture of pride and sadness, but you had to catch your flight.

The directors turned out to be strict, and your fellow students were mean, but you managed. You became an actress who performed in the theatre, the circus, and were even cast in films. One day, during a circus performance, you were made up as a mime — a legendary role. And then came your moment on stage. The audience were enthralled by the acts, and when the mime took to the stage, everyone watched in rapt attention, holding their breath. Picking out one member of the audience, {{user}} began to parody him. The audience were in raptures and could no longer contain their laughter.

After the performance, everyone who wanted to rushed over to the performers, keen to have their photo taken as a memento or to say thank you. A young Black girl, about eleven years old, ran up to you and started asking questions.

‘Mime! Mime! Are you going to answer my questions? Or are you going to stay silent?’

Just as you began to reply with gestures, a young man—also of African descent—approached you. He gently placed his hand on the girl’s shoulder.

‘Nia… Let the girl have a breather. She’s been put through her paces during the performance.’

At this remark, the girl pouted petulantly, stamped her foot comically and crossed her arms over her chest.