Ikaw parin ang hanap ng pusong ligaw…
Gabriel heard Ida singing from outside. He leaned back the wall he was hiding earlier and listened.
Gabriel went in the gallery when she stopped singing. Hey.
Hey. She looked back. Did you just arrive? She said as she took down one of the frames. Most of the photo frames were already taken down and boxed. A lot of bubble wrap scattered around the floor.
I was listening to you sing. He said sheepishly.
Aii, poor you.
Was it a Filipino song?
Yes. She said, blushing. Sorry you got to hear that. It’s a habit. We Filipinos like to sing wherever, whenever.
I was happy to hear it. Gabriel said. What’s it called? I like how your words sound in a song.
It’s called Pusong ligaw. It’s hard to translate it exactly in English but something like..Lost Heart. She then quickly changed the topic. How was the exhibit?
It was great. I got us some sandwiches. He gave a sandwich to her. Ida thanked him and went to get water. They sat on the empty table where her books were earlier displayed.
What did you like best? Ida asked
I really like the Persistence of Memory. The idea of memory being distorted and decaying like us. I read before that neurologists believe that every time we access a memory, it’s always a little bit distorted or changed depending on when and for what reason we are retrieving the memory. So we never really preserve a memory in its original form. It’s always changing.
That’s interesting. She said. Do you know that have a lot of memories of my dreams…if not for their otherworldly nature, I could easily mix them up with my own memories.
I don’t anyone with that problem. He laughed. Certainly not me, I’m already forgetful in my real life, what more my dreams!
Sometimes I’m not sure if my memory is really from real life or from my dreams. Like one time, I saw a bright light that hit a mountain and cutting horizontally through the mountain. To this day, I still don’t know if it actually happened or it was a dream or just an imagination.
Poor you. He said, rubbing her right shoulder. You’re lucky to remember so much. Only a few memories really stay with me. Gabriel replied. One of those, was us that night. He searched her eyes.
I have a lot of memories of that night, too. She met his gaze. I have a memory of you in the car, looking so serious.
That’s a perception, I was actually quite happy being with you. Especially with your head out in the car, like a cute puppy. He teased.
She smiled remembering that moment. Gabriel took the last bite of his sandwich. Ida was still eating the last of hers.
How about you, what stood out for you in the museum? Gabriel asked.
I loved the fact Dali and his wife slept in different beds in the same room and they just put mirrors to see each other. I think it’s kind of progressive and many people will benefit from having that arrangement.
I have nothing against it but I couldn’t do that myself, I mean sleeping in a different bed. What’s the joy in life, if not to enjoy your wife in the same bed? He said then stopped. Oh that didn’t come out right. I mean to hug her, ah merde. You know, everything.
She laughed. I didn’t know you’re so sweet like that.
You can laugh but I think that’s one of life’s greatest pleasures, no?
With the right person, yeah. But don’t worry, I’m sure they snuggled, and fucked, before going to their respective beds. Ida said with a straight face.
He laughed at that. So how was your exhibit? Are you happy with how it turned out?
Yes definitely though I wish I could have sold more prints to contribute to the festival’s sales. Other artists sold really well. But I did sell most of my books, which I’m happy about. I also have this little book where people wrote nice things. That, I’ll treasure the most.
Are there some left? Of your book? I would like to buy one.
Yeah, there’s 2 left. Here. It’s for you. A gift. She handed him the book.
No, no. I want to buy it. He looked at the price list which was still on the table and took out some money from his wallet. Here, he placed it on the table. Would you sign it for me?
OK, but it’s not like it’s going to be worth that much. She said. She took back the book and signed it with a silver ink. She blew on it and gave it back to him. There.
And I want to buy a print too. He said.
Ah no, here, I packed this for you. She handed him a thick package. It’s one of the diptychs, the one of hale-bopp of your dad with my jellyfish photo. I knew it’s the first comet you saw with your dad. I want you to have it.
Really, are you sure? he said. At least let me pay for it.
No, you can’t pay for something you kind of legally own. She said. Please accept it, it’s just right that you have it.
Are you sure? Gabriel said hesitatingly. How about that couple? It’d be a shame not to sell it to them.
Don’t worry, I’ve scanned it and I will make prints of them to sell. But you’ll have the original and I’ll keep the other original with the Halley’s. In that way, we’ll each have a memory of your dad.
It’s precious, thank you. He hugged her. He wanted to kiss her but he felt her body language was distant.
I hope you have some space for it in your apartment.
Yeah, I already have an idea where to put it. He started to say. About that crazy idea I wanted to tell you
Ed came in front of the door at that moment and interrupted him. Hello guys! Everything alright? He said cheerily.
Hi Ed, I’m almost finished here. I just need to pile up these boxes.
No worries. Just leave it at the corner. Ed said. So did I get right that your dad will be back here next weekend to pick it up?
Yeah, I hope it’s not a bother. Ida replied. By the way, here’s the key. Thanks so much. Really.
Not at all. Maybe I’ll have lunch with him. Tell him to call me, OK? Ed said. And tell your boyfriend, it was really nice to meet him. Nice lad!
OK, I will. Ida said hesitantly. They hugged and bade each other goodbye.
He seems a really nice guy. Gabriel said when Ed left.
Yeah, he’s great. She started to put the boxes in the corner of the room. Gabriel helped her. When they’re done, she looked at the empty space. I’ll miss this place, Cadaques…she said looking at him.
Have you talked to your ex? He asked, softly.
Yeah, we agreed to talk once I get my things next weekend. My dad will pick me up in Barcelona after picking up my things here.
I see…does he want you back?
I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. I’m not going back.
Are you sure? Gabriel said, searching her eyes.
Yeah, she answered but she did not look at him. She was holding back some tears. Sorry, I just need to pack my clothes upstairs then we can go. Just another 15 minutes.
OK, I’ll wait for you outside. He wanted to say something more but Ida was already walking up the stairs.
He looked at the empty room and closed the door.