Implode (The Necessity of Columns)

The columns were dual translucent pillars of glass, rising several triumphant meters into the air. They were orange and green, respectively, born of industrial plastics and engineered crystals. The vibrant towers, like luminescent ice, rose from the crabapple floors into an expanse of ivory brick. The flooding of one post meridiem sunlight through magnificent windows, was the peak of a grand affair.

Though Neil gazed up at the ceiling, uncertain.

“It’s too much.”

Maxwell observed his colleague, and then followed his gaze.

“How so?”

Neil seemed irritable and unable to coalesce with the modern surroundings. He continued to stare at the colorful glass.

“I know you’re the architectural second-coming and all, but I just can’t see how all this is necessary.”

He turned to his contemporary.

“Is this necessary?”

Maxwell contemplated his inquiry, still smitten by the crystal columns.

“Very much so.”

Neil observed him a moment longer, before consulting the contents of his glass. He then found his way toward the powdery Mulberry Iõunn, one of seven sofas in existence composed of literal Mulberry silk and Angora wool.

He set the Ardbeg Scotch on the glass Höõr. Another Mulberry design.

“This is all my wife.”

He removed his wire framed glasses and began cleaning them with the cloth of his shirt.

“She needs all this. I don't even stay here. I’m a simple man.”

He placed the glasses back onto a disgruntled face.

“Spending millions of dollars on an apartment renovation. It was perfectly fine as it was.”

Maxwell listened. He excelled at listening.

“I mean, it was... It was…”

He thought for a moment.

“What’s the word?”

Maxwell chimed in.

“Weathered?”

“No, no! It was… Rustic!”

For the first time during their visit, Neil seemed pleased. Albeit, with himself.

“It had character.”

He raised his glass and took a moment to inhale the massive penthouse on Hudson and Worth Street.

“Why is all this necessary?”

Maxwell considered his words. He then replied.

“How else will they know we were here?”

Implode. Part XXVII - DK