Gabriel looked out to the road ahead of him. He had been thinking since he got in the car. He can’t believe he found Ida, after all those years. He couldn’t understand what he was feeling, he needed to talk to someone. He dialed a number.
Bonjour. Anais responded.
Salut ma souer. They started to talk in French.
Guess what? Gabriel asked her.
What’s up? Anais said a bit impatiently but she also knows he just doesn’t call her for nothing so she softened her voice. Everything okay?
I found her Anais. He simply said.
Found who? Sounding more impatient.
Guess who?
Gab, I don’t really have time for this. I’m finishing up the contract with lawyer. He agreed to work on a Saturday. I need to send it to him before 6pm. And he wants
Ida.
OK let me try to remember a girl you seem excited about since you’re not helping me. Well there’s not a lot to remember, only just one really. Or two if you count the IOM girl. She paused. Ah! the comet girl who talked to dad for 7 years and finally came the moment he died? That girl?
Yeah, it’s her. Gabriel said letting the sarcasm in her voice slide. And I’m going to see her.
Where? Wait! Where are you? Don’t tell me you won’t be here tomorrow. Mom’s looking forward to lunch tomorrow. She said.
I’m in Cadaques but don’t worry, I’ll be there tomorrow. I’ve booked the overnight train at 940pm tonight. I’ll just say hi and go.
If you say so, from the sound of your voice, it’s obvious you still have serious feelings for this girl, even after 10 long years. Maybe that’s why you keep holding on to the Night Sky for so long. It’s the place you’ve met. And probably kissed. Or… oh I don’t want to think what else you did…
No, it’s not that. You know very well the reason. He answered sternly.
Anais regretted what she said. She knows her banters border on being callous. And she had promised herself to be softer to her brother. I know, sorry. I know it’s about dad. I’m really sorry that I’m forcing you to let it go.
An, It’s okay, we’ve already talked about this.
If only Mom was into that stuff like you and dad. She can buy my share and retire there.
Haha, I couldn’t imagine Mom staying in a retreat willingly. She will feel trapped. Where is she going this time again?
To Namibia. You know she needs her adventure. Well you do know, because you got that from her. Never settling down.
Speaking of settling down, how’s the packing going? He asked.
Very slowly. With a 3-year old kid, just preparing to go out the house feels like an eternity. I was hoping we’ll be ready by end of the month. So probably if we’re lucky before the year ends. I’d like to spend Christmas there. It’s exciting. I hope Liam will like it there.
What’s not too like, Sweden is beautiful. Plus, he’s always happy near water. I’m very happy for you, An.
You have to visit us, OK? We’ll have a separate guest studio, you can stay for as long as you like during your breaks.
I’ll probably accept your offer – no other place to go now. And I need to see that kid grow up. April sounds good? I should finish my build that time.
Yeah of course anytime. She said then paused. Are you sure about selling it Gab? You’re not considering to run it?
I’ve decided. I just couldn’t stop my work. Especially now.
I respect that. She started to say, softly this time. It’s just that…when we stayed there during COVID, I’ve never seen you so happy. We had such a memorable time there. You even made me a fan. Liam’s already obsessed. I don’t have the heart to tell him right now…which reminds me I have to buy a telescope. Anyway, what I’m saying is…I couldn’t imagine staying there for 1 year but we did. Because of you.
We did have fun. He smiled as he switched the phone to his right ear.
Even mom looked through a telescope again! She said, laughing.
He laughed, reminiscing. But that was different. You were all there with me. We stick to the plan. He said, changing his tone.
OK Gab. I just wanted to be sure because you know once we sign those papers on Monday, there’s no turning back. So if you’re having second thoughts, you have to tell me now.
I’m fully aware of that An. There’s nothing more to think about. It’s decided.
Anais paused and then said: You know the problems of the world won’t ever stop Gab. You have to think of yourself too, you know. Of what you want.
I want this job and this job needs me.
OK, not going to say more but in case you change your mind, you have until Sunday evening. So I can cancel with the buyer without ever meeting him. Oh it was so hard to find a buyer, 1 year of no inquiry and voila, this old man calls and wants to buy it even without seeing it. If we decide to cancel, he’s going to be
There’s nothing to cancel. I won’t change my mind. By the way, please don’t forgot to tell the lawyer to put in the clause about the access to dad’s…
…dad’s grave. She sighed. I wonder if there’d be any kind of buyer who’d agree to that. But I’ll try. At least once a year, right? 2 hours max.
Anais…
I’m kidding. I want to also visit dad too. If the buyer doesn’t agree, what’s the plan? We move him? In Sweden?
That’s a logistic nightmare and I think dad wants to stay there. I’ll talk to the buyer myself.
I still don’t get it why he wants to be buried there. Anais continued her rant. I would have wanted to have some of his ashes at home.
Well, it was his choice and I want to respect that as much as I can.
Liam no! Sorry he’s climbing up the sofa again. Anais explained. He’s always looking for you, by the way. Noooo!…sorry I have to go soon, still need to do another read-through of this contract. So good luck with this girl. Do you think she’s still recognize you?
I have no idea. I still look the same don’t I?
You always look the same to me. Why? You’re worried she won’t like what she sees? Admit it, you are clearly still pining for her…
He laughed. No, she’s probably married or something. And she’s an artist now.
Oh yeah? So what? You’re kind of a hero working for a good cause. And still very much single. Oh, maybe that’s not a good point. Anyway, you still got it, little brother.
Hey, thanks for the pep. I guess. He said with a little laugh. Actually, I just want to her to explain why I wasn’t able to keep in touch. And blame you for it.
Whaat? Anais feigned a hurt voice. Yeah, yeah, it was kind of my fault. Logging out of everything, making sure everything’s sorted. I though I was doing you a favor that time. But I didn’t know that you were both stupid enough not to exchange numbers. It’s the 20th century, you know. This time, in case you’re still interested. Get her email, her mobile number, use Whatsapp for gods sake, and even her fucking home address.
OK, I get it. Thanks big sister. He said in exasperation but kept all what she said in mind.
I really have to go Gab, he’s playing with the plants again…Liam no! Please don’t forget my knit sweater!
No worries, I have it. All the personal stuff are on my bag and the rest I’ve packed and sent by Mondial Relais. Should be able to pick them up before my flight.
Great, thanks for cleaning up and all. Sorry I couldn’t help this time. When are you leaving again?
Tuesday evening.
So see you tomorrow at Mom’s. Kisses. Bye.
See you An. He dropped the call and put his mobile phone away.
He had just taken the right fork leading to the road to Cadaqués. He opened his windows and felt the breeze on his face. He still clearly remembers her hair flowing in the wind. He closed his eyes. Ida.
The road started to wind down, slowly revealing the horizon. The blue sea stretched out ahead, glinting under the sun. He’s almost there.