Modern times
It is a slightly dry day. Ethiopia is brewing coffee beans in a specialised pot outside her huge house. Through the large windows, we can see many sofas as well as other precious things. She looks around 30 and has thick black hair that she loves to stylise, making a different hairdo every day. Hearing a strange noise, she stops what she is doing and turns in all directions.
Looking to the river Nile, she sees a man, tall and dark-haired with a serious expression, seeming about her age, with four bodyguards who run after him and his golden chariot. The man stops and elegantly steps out of his chariot with the help of his entourage. Ethiopia rolls her eyes and replies annoyed: "Egypt...my old friend... I worry about you sometimes."
"I thought you would appreciate a nostalgic reminder of the glory days" he replies calmly as he turns his dignified profile to the audience.
"Ha! You were full of yourself then and you sure are not any better now" she says swiping a fan over the coffee beans. "Would you like some?" she asks her guest.
"No thank you. I do not have a plan to stay long. I came over to see what you decided about the hydroelectric plant" he continues.
Ethiopia makes a face and starts moving the fan quicker. "There is nothing to decide. The plant will bring a lot of good to my country. My people will finally have enough electricity and I can even make some extra money. It is going to be built - no matter what" she finally says.
Egypt is not pleased with her reply. "This will affect me greatly. I need that water to cultivate my crops."
She looks at him dead serious. She turns towards him completely and crosses her arms. "I am willing to negotiate the terms but I assure you I will not be fooled into a bad deal."
"Fine. Just so you know, our powerful white friends are worried as much as I am. Green fields are more important than polluting structures."
Ethiopia scoffs:"Only a crazy person would take advice on environment from someone who owns a private jet. In my opinion, that alone disqualifies you completely from any eco debate."
Egypt exhails and says his goodbye. Riding away in his chariot, he does not look happy. Ethiopia is in no better mood either.
"Those meddling Westerners and their double-standards. It's the same story as with Eritrea. Of course, she can become independent. Might as well take the entirety of my coast with her. I'd like to see if they would take her seriously if it was any different" she adds irritated not noticing that she is being watched.
Next scene: A blond blue-eyed man in a flamboyant outfit sneaks around observing her. He moves here and there, hiding behind random objects. She has just finished roasting the beans and is ready to make coffee when the frame slowly moves to France who is nonchalantly smelling a rose near the cups. Finally noticing him, Ethiopia is startled out of her chair.
"Do not be afraid, my dear. I just came to have a friendly chat" he says in a smooth tone presenting her with a rose.
Confused, she accepts it. "But why...what are you doing here?"
"Oh, taking a stroll" France says slowly moving to her other side never taking his eyes off her. "You see, my lovely. I am well familiar with the West part of Africa...very, very familiar. And still, I do not know much about the east. In all honesty, I am extremely curious at the hidden jems that lie here."
His very obvious advances make her feel nervous. She puts her hands over her chest as if to hide it. "Mr. France, I am a proud and free nation. I was never colonised and I don't expect that to change now" she says offended.
"Oh, no no no no no, my dear. You misunderstand. I would simply love to get to know you better. To explore you, if you will. Perhaps even grab a cup of coffee" he says gently taking her hand. He continues observing her as he slowly comes closer. "I promise to take very good care of you" he says softly.
Blushing and uncomfortable, she grabs the metal tray with her free hand and starts hitting him with it. "Go away, you perverted European."
"Oh please my chocolate queen. Ouch! Do not treat me this way" France says protecting himself from the strikes.
"Get out" she screams making him run away. At a safe distance, he pops his head. We see his tears fall like waterfalls. "How sad. How can I go on knowing that she was the one who got away."
He stops crying and states determined: "I must change that. No matter how long it may take, I will win her heart." The background is covered in pink hearts. France is returned to reality hearing her scream to get lost. He frowns and runs away as a cup flies his way.
Yeah...I was in a goofy mood when writing this. Can you tell?
