#623 The Tavern of the Black Cat- Naguib Mahfouz
“They were engaged in a sing-song when a stranger appeared at the door.”
This is a nice allegory taking place in a bar. Who doesn’t know the comfort, friendliness, camaraderie and familiarity or a good neighborhood bar:
“The Taverns patrons were one big family tree whose branches were spread among the bare wooden tables. Some of them were bound by ties of friendship or by being colleagues at work, while all were joined in the brotherhood of being together in the same place and in the spiritual intimacy they shared there night after night. They were united too by conversation and the infernal wine.”
As the stranger’s ominous presence disrupts the nightly reverie, it appears that he is deranged and dangerous. After several cups of the infernal wine, and many tense moments of muttering to himself, the man speaks to the room and announces that nobody is allowed to leave until he says so. Angry and scared at first, the patrons soon realize that they normally don’t eave for many hours, so might as well have fun. Fate is sitting their waiting regardless. What will you do, live in fear, or live like it isn’t even there?
Notable Passage: “Who of you is without a story…?”
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