Page 10 of Absolute Certainty
Dragging his hand over his short beard, he prepared himself for a mental visit to undergrad.
JAY
Because it did sometimes feel like the content that was often praised was bleak. I took regular narrative writing classes, and I remember this one girl who wrote romance. The class gave her so much shit because it was “too cliche.” She held back tears the entire time they were critiquing her, and then the next time she came in, she had the darkest story. They all fucking jumped at the chance to tell her how incredible it was. I don’t think any of them realized she was calling them out.
SAHAR
Ugh! This industry!
That doesn’t shock me one bit. I hope she’s writing the happiest stories now because look at the way things are panning out. Bridgerton is one of the highest-grossing shows on Netflix. Romance novels are also dominating the publishing industry. There’s a space for it.
JAY
I don’t think I’m capable of writing a romance. Plus, I’m a white man. I don’t want to take up that space for women or people in marginalized communities who’d do it much better than me.
SAHAR
I’m not saying you should. But it wouldn’t hurt to incorporate it.
He’d try. For her, he’d try anything.
JAY
Maybe.
Thank you for watching, though.
SAHAR
You’re very welcome. I plan on watching Cuts tomorrow.
He didn’t know what to do with the fact that she’d unknowingly get a glimpse of his horrifying childhood and teen years.
JAY
Cuts is more brutal.
SAHAR
I read the logline. I’ll mentally prepare for it. Can I ask you a question?
JAY
Sure.
SAHAR
What made you get into movies? You don’t have to answer that if it’s too personal. I tried searching for an interview to see if you’d said it somewhere but you haven’t. I just really love knowing what pushes people toward their craft.
Except it was personal. If he told her, he might as well give an account of his entire life and why he was so fucked in the head. Yet, the need to tell her whatever she wanted clawed at him again.
He wanted her to knowhim, and more than anything, he wanted to knowher.
JAY
I had a shitty childhood. Movies and TV were the only way I could escape.
He kept it short but honest, and when the three dots appeared, it instantly made him nervous.
