[oblomov]

one august mueller, a life-long resident of mainz, was 33 years of age but unmarried. consequently he suffered from terribly low self-esteem and spent many non-working hours on the internet discussing his high regard for the early hits of musician rod stewart with other, similarly unfortunate individuals. august particularly enjoyed his conversations with rosemarie klein, who had recently moved to wiesbaden from stuttgart in order to care for her ageing mother. rosemarie's sympathetic nature and moderate intelligence aroused in august the courage to suggest that they meet. rosemarie accepted his offer, and at the appointed date and time they shared tea and cake in a small cafe of which rosemarie was fond. rosemarie allowed august to pay their bill, although she found him somewhat less engaging in person. as they parted, august made an ill-advised sexual advance which rosemarie rebuffed.
disheartened, august decided against pursuing relationships online and resolved to alleviate his dissatisfaction in life by labouring more diligently at his job. five months later he was awarded a promotion, and put in a position of authority over twelve co-workers.