The Evil Goddess
A feminist legend
— Antique Shop — Day
Emma, a young tourist with a backpack, snoops around the store, looking to buy a souvenir. She has sunburn marks all over her body.
Emma bumps into a small glass display cabinet. She bends over and takes a better look inside and sees…
…A small iron sculpture is placed inside. It’s a statue of an angry-looking tribal goddess.
Emma tries to open the glass cabinet, but it’s securely locked.
A voice interrupts.
Pinto: Do you want to touch it?
Emma turns in the direction of the voice and sees Pinto…
Pinto is a middle-aged man with a unique accent. He has salt-and-pepper hair and a beard.
Emma: Hello.
Pinto: Hello, Madame. My name is Pinto. I manage this place.
He points his finger at the goddess statue.
Pinto: That’s ancient. The only one in the world.
Emma: Really? How much?
Pinto smiles.
Pinto: It’s not for sale.
Emma: I’m serious. How much?
Pinto: I appreciate your offer, Madame. But it’s not for sale. That statue has been here since the day my grandpa opened this shop. It has been 45 years, and we never sold it. Ask anything in this store but not “The Evil Goddess.”
Emma: The Evil Goddess?
Pinto: Yes. That’s her name.
Emma: I want The Evil Goddess. Come on. Please tell me the price.
Pinto: May I know why?
Emma: “Why?” What?
Pinto: Why do you want that statue specifically?
Emma turns at The Evil Goddess statue and stares at it for a moment. There is a little tear in her eyes.
Emma: She reminds me of something profoundly personal to me.
Pinto is surprised by Emma’s attachment to the statue.
Pinto: Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?
Emma: Go ahead.
Pinto: Where are you from?
Emma: London.
Pinto: Were you born in London?
Emma: London is my home. Yes, I was born and raised there.
Pinto gazes at The Evil Goddess sculpture while processing his thoughts.
Pinto: I want to help you, but unfortunately, I can’t. I’m sorry.
Emma: Come on, please.
Pinto: I’m sorry. No.
Emma: At least tell me the story behind this statue. Who was she?
Pinto grins.
Pinto: May I offer you a cup of herbal tea?
— Moments Later —
Pinto and Emma are having herbal tea.
He tells the story of The Evil Goddess, and Emma listens. Pinto had never seen such an attentive audience as Emma before.
Pinto: She rebelled against all the cruel kings and fought for the people in her little village.
Emma: How could she achieve all of that alone?
Pinto: She was wise and fearless. Her fighting tactics were brutal and violent. Villagers praised her as a savior… as a goddess… as a protector who fought against the corrupt regime.
Emma: How violent was she?
Pinto: The kings named her “The Evil Goddess.” She was an uncompromising character — the first feminist in this land.
Emma: How come there was no record of her?
Pinto: Do you think men will let a feminist symbol be worshiped? That’s against every form of the patriarchal model.
Emma smirks.
Emma: Of course. No freaking way.
Pinto: Kings after kings, men after men, controlled the story of The Evil Goddess.
Emma: How do “you” know about The Evil Goddess?
Pinto: They can try to silence the story and people using their power… but they can’t silence the truth! The Evil Goddess lived in people’s hearts. To this day… she lives as a legend. She became an idea. A feminist symbol.
Emma is intrigued by the story.
Pinto: This statue is the last piece of evidence of The Evil Goddess. My family has been protecting her. I hope someone will make a movie about her someday and let the world know.
Emma and Pinto admire the magnificence of The Evil Goddess statue.
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After a long moment of silence.
Emma: I will pay 10,000 dollars.
Without a single surprise, Pinto calmly says…
Pinto: No, Madame.
Emma: 10,000 dollars isn’t enough? Okay. How about 12,000 dollars?
Pinto: There’s no negotiation. Thank you for coming.
Emma realizes there’s no way she can get the statue. She accepts her defeat and leaves.
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Pinto: Wait.
Emma halts.
Pinto: Why do you want this statue so badly?
She sighs.
Emma: I see my younger self in her. I don’t know. It was an instinct.
Pinto: You sound like you are emotionally connected.
Emma: I’m.
She weeps.
Pinto is regretful.
Pinto: Okay. I’ll sell it to you.
Emma: Really?
Pinto: Yes.
Emma: How much?
Pinto: Pay whatever you wish.
Emma: Sure?
Pinto: Yes, I’m sure. But I only accept cash.
Emma: I don’t have cash with me. Can you wait for 40 minutes?
Pinto: Sure. I’ll wait.
— 40 Minutes Later —
Pinto counts the dollars.
Emma holds The Evil Goddess statue and admires it.
Pinto: You gave me 12,100 dollars.
Emma: Extra 100 dollars is for you. A tip.
Pinto: Thank you.
Emma: No. Thank you!
Pinto: I didn’t catch your good name.
Emma: It’s Emma.
Pinto: Good to meet you, Miss. Emma.
He offers his hand… Emma smiles and accepts it. They shake hands.
She leaves happily with the statue, and the door slams behind her.
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Pinto stands alone and glares at the empty glass display cabinet.
He walks to the main door and locks it. Then he hangs a signboard on the door, and the sign reads, “Sorry, we’re closed.”
Pinto reaches the counter and squats… there is a safe box under the desk.
He types the secret key, and the safe opens with a “woosh….”
Inside the safe, 20 more iron sculptures of Evil Goddesses sit there, identical to what Emma bought.
Pinto takes one statue and locks the safe.
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Pinto opens the glass display cabinet, gently places the statue, and locks it.
He smiles and walks away.