The Black Coat
Christian watched the men and women filling out the feedback forms. Some were taking their time, filling it out conscientiously. He was sure they would give him excellent reviews. This had been a good group and he was in the business long enough to know when his course was a success. The boss had called him in, because the company had had a major fiasco recently and couldn’t afford another one without going bust. He had worked hard with the employees and charged the company his highest fees. There was no reason to be modest, his team building courses were known to be effective and he was booked up one year in advance. He smiled as he collected the questionnaires and shoved them into his briefcase. He no longer bothered to read them, but he did make a point of saying goodbye to each participant, shaking their hands and exchanging a few words.
After he left the high modern glass building, he headed for his favourite men’s clothing shop in Frankfurt. Their clothes were inordinately expensive, but always first-rate quality and after a job like this he could afford them.
The shop owner recognized him and addressed him by name.
“May I recommend something? We’ve got a new range in winter coats by an Italian designer, As you can see: very elegant and made of a blend of European wool. This coat is quite long which is perfect for you since you’re tall.”
Christian was undecided. The black coat did look stylish and well-made, but he wasn’t looking for a coat. Still, it might be a good opportunity. He reluctantly took it from the shop owner and put it on. The double-breasted coat took a while to button up. The shop owner said he absolutely needed to use the belt as well.
“It’ll look so much better,” he assured him as he fussed over him. “The coat seems to have been made for you. It fits you perfectly.”
Christian looked around.
“The full-length mirror is over here.”
Christian walked in long strides towards the mirror and turned smilingly towards his image.
The shop owner hurried to his side, praising the coat, flattering him on his physique, completely unaware that Christian was no longer smiling. He stood motionless in front of the mirror and stared at himself in disbelief. Then he abruptly undid the belt, took off the coat and handed it to the astonished shop owner. Without saying another word, Christian collected his briefcase and, with a brief nod to the owner, fled from the shop. The shop owner stood open-mouthed beside the mirror and couldn’t believe how rude some people were.
Back home he changed into his running clothes and went jogging. Normally he needed some time to find his rhythm, but today running was easy, seemed like second nature. He ran twice as long as usual. On the way back, he suddenly became aware of being drenched in sweat, even the normally loose lower trouser legs were clinging to his calves and shins. When he was running past a neighbour and waved at her, she looked at him strangely. Back in the flat, he showered extensively, soaping himself all over several times. After he had eaten a little, he called his father.
They exchanged the usual, slightly formal pleasantries before he announced he would be coming home for the weekend.
“Why?” asked his father slightly alarmed.
“I need to talk to you about your father,” Christian said as if his grandfather was no relation of his.
“Ah, my favourite topic,” his father replied sarcastically. “Why this sudden interest may I ask?”
“I remembered a picture and I realized I know nothing.”
“Ignorance can be a blessing,” his father tried.
“I’m coming home on Friday night,” Christian said and hung up.
After he left the high modern glass building, he headed for his favourite men’s clothing shop in Frankfurt. Their clothes were inordinately expensive, but always first-rate quality and after a job like this he could afford them.
The shop owner recognized him and addressed him by name.
“May I recommend something? We’ve got a new range in winter coats by an Italian designer, As you can see: very elegant and made of a blend of European wool. This coat is quite long which is perfect for you since you’re tall.”
Christian was undecided. The black coat did look stylish and well-made, but he wasn’t looking for a coat. Still, it might be a good opportunity. He reluctantly took it from the shop owner and put it on. The double-breasted coat took a while to button up. The shop owner said he absolutely needed to use the belt as well.
“It’ll look so much better,” he assured him as he fussed over him. “The coat seems to have been made for you. It fits you perfectly.”
Christian looked around.
“The full-length mirror is over here.”
Christian walked in long strides towards the mirror and turned smilingly towards his image.
The shop owner hurried to his side, praising the coat, flattering him on his physique, completely unaware that Christian was no longer smiling. He stood motionless in front of the mirror and stared at himself in disbelief. Then he abruptly undid the belt, took off the coat and handed it to the astonished shop owner. Without saying another word, Christian collected his briefcase and, with a brief nod to the owner, fled from the shop. The shop owner stood open-mouthed beside the mirror and couldn’t believe how rude some people were.
Back home he changed into his running clothes and went jogging. Normally he needed some time to find his rhythm, but today running was easy, seemed like second nature. He ran twice as long as usual. On the way back, he suddenly became aware of being drenched in sweat, even the normally loose lower trouser legs were clinging to his calves and shins. When he was running past a neighbour and waved at her, she looked at him strangely. Back in the flat, he showered extensively, soaping himself all over several times. After he had eaten a little, he called his father.
They exchanged the usual, slightly formal pleasantries before he announced he would be coming home for the weekend.
“Why?” asked his father slightly alarmed.
“I need to talk to you about your father,” Christian said as if his grandfather was no relation of his.
“Ah, my favourite topic,” his father replied sarcastically. “Why this sudden interest may I ask?”
“I remembered a picture and I realized I know nothing.”
“Ignorance can be a blessing,” his father tried.
“I’m coming home on Friday night,” Christian said and hung up.