How would you explain this Spanish sentence? After an hour’s work Frida was satisfied with the arrangement of red flowers on white linen. “Here will be Lev’s place,” she said quietly, “and here. Natalya’s.” Uttering that second name as if her place at the table were a concession. Jealous, of Natalya? Frida, is it possible? It’s a lot of work to use flowers as paints. By the time the party ends, they’ll be a mess of wilted petals. Stains on your white tablecloth that could have been prevented. But you whirled around at that suggestion, looking fierce: lips pursed, the hand on your red rebozo, those silver earrings caressing your shoulders like hands. “Unnecessary stains and dead flowers! Sóli (ther servant), excuse me but what else do I have for making my marks on life, if not lo absurdo y lo fugar.” How would you explain this Spanish sentence: lo absurdo y lo fugar? Thanks! PS: It’s from The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver.