Huhummm. A loud grunting sound.
Ida heard some garbled sounds but she didn’t want to open her eyes. She just wanted to stay like that. She was snuggled facing Gabriel, his right arm held her close.
Huhuuuuummmm. A louder grunting sound.
Oh bonjour. Gabriel abruptly sat up, sensing a presence looking at them.
Bonjour tourteruex! Said the humorous voice of an old man who’s looking directly at them. He was standing at a lower slope near their feet. He was shabbily dressed, his hair uncombed, but he had a commanding presence about him.
Oh non non. Ida heard Gabriel say.
There’s nothing to be shy about. You’re grown ups! The old man started to talk in French. Oh wait, are you? He asked, looking closely at Ida who just sat in that moment.
She is, she is. Gabriel answered in French, laughing. He quickly explained to Ida what’s happening. Ida laughed and shook her head. Juste amis, she said.
Just friends? The old man, continued in French. Well, I observed you for about…he looked at his watch…15 minutes and you seem to belong in each other’s arms. He wrapped his arms around himself and closed his eyes.
Ida laughed out loud. She understood that much. The old man and Gabriel continued to talk in French.
Well, anyway, I didn’t do that just because I’m a lunatic. I was waiting to ask you a question. Did you happen to see the fireball last night? The old man asked. I saw it fly through here, drawing a line in the sky.
Yeah we did. Gabriel answered. That’s why we’re here. I live up there.
Where?
There, Gabriel pointed up. In the middle of the forest. And you, do you own this place?
You could say that. He answered vaguely. Anyway, I live just around there too, pointing to the area at the other end of the meadow.
Ah. Gabriel simply said, looking at where the old man pointed. He thought he saw something in the distance.
So, did you find anything? The old man asked.
We haven’t really started looking yet. Gabriel placed his hand at the back of his head.
You were busy alright. The old man rolled his eyes. From afar, I saw this black thing in the middle of a green field. I thought at first, it was the meteorite but ended up to be just lovebirds. He said all this with a straight face. Don’t bother looking for it, it’s not here. More time to smooch. He made a kissing gesture with his mouth.
Gabriel and Ida laughed out loud. Juste amis, Ida repeated.
OK, if you say so. One day then. Au revoir! He said, He turned around and walked downhill.
Tell me what he said. Aside from his teasing, I got that part. Ida said, smiling.
Basically, he was also looking for the meteorite that fell and he thought it was us wrapped in our black blanket. He answered, smiling. I think he might be a little, you know, coucou.
Why’s that?
He claims he lives down there and owns this land but I don’t know any house down there. Although I thought I saw something earlier at where he pointed. Gabriel scratched his head.
That’s weird. Maybe he just bought it? She suggested.
Maybe. He said. But at least the work has been done for us. He scoured around and did not find anything. Gabriel stretched his arms and started to get up. Did you get some sleep?
Yes, I think after, um, we talked…she said awkwardly. I was surprised I could.
Yeah me too. I slept straight and could have slept more. Gabriel said. If not for the crazy guy who woke us up. He said smiling.
I find him quite funny. She saw the old man’s form fading in the distance.
Do you want to head back? Gabriel stood up and lent his hand.
Yes, we should. She took his hand and got up.
Gabriel folded the blanket and lining and put them inside his backpack. They went up and passed the way they came, stopping for a quick greeting to Ollie.
I’m enjoying this trail more during the day. Ida said. Cypress and oak trees lined the path on both sides. Sunlight peeked through the thick canopy and touched her face, like dancing constellations.
It’s beautiful, isn’t it? This path goes around the house and continues to the other side of the forest and then loops back. I walk this trail every morning, without my dad. Usually he sleeps so late so he wakes up late. I wish I could have pushed him to exercise…maybe it would have made a difference.
Ida nodded, knowing this feeling too well.
But the guests enjoy it a lot. Especially the kids. The families that stay with us are my favorite. I love when children look at the night sky.
I can imagine…with their curiosity. They must ask a lot of questions.
Oh they do! They ask the most interesting questions actually. The ultimate one which is the hardest to answer. So where does the universe come from?
What do you answer them? She asked.
Ah depends on the age. If they’re old enough, I explain the big bang theory, the expanding universe. And for the really young ones I say, it has always existed and will always exist.
I like your last answer for the really young children. It’s a bit vague but for me, somehow, it also rings very true. She said. They say that from 4 years old, every 4th question leads to a philosophical question.
Reminds me of you, except it’s every other question. Gabriel looked back. Ida feigned a hurt look. But I find it endearing…he added.
For some bizarre reason, when I think of children, I think of my mom. You should see her sneeze, even at 55, she makes this Achoooooooooooooooo with childlike exaggeration.
He laughed. I wish I could be like that. Sometimes I feel I’m too serious.
I thought you were when I first saw you but there’s this side of you… especially last night. She said.
You mean the kiss…but it’s you who kissed me first, no?
Was it me? she said, embarrassed. I meant, with your showman’s voice. I didn’t expect that side of you. She clarified.
Depends on the person I’m with. He said, turning around and stopped to face her.
I like it. Ida said shyly, looking sideways.
Do you? He drew her body close, raised her chin, and kissed her right then, there, in the middle of the forest.
Now you can say, I kissed you first. He said, clearly teasing her. She laughed and playfully slapped him as he turned around. They continued walking.
Sometimes when I feel so disillusioned about people – especially politicians, capitalists, and hard core criminals…I imagine them as babies. I try to remember that everyone was once a baby, so cute and innocent who just wants to be loved and cared for. It really changes the way I see them. Something just went wrong along the way. That we’re all children of the universe looking to be safe and to feel loved…
That’s beautiful. If only things are simple like that.
But why can’t it be? Ida asked.
The path became wider and they could now see the house from where they were. The sun rose at its back, casting the house in silhouette against a light blue sky. They walked side by side, their bodies brushing each other.
Would you have to keep this retreat forever, if your dad is buried here? Ida asked.
We do plan to keep it, at least the property. Probably not run the observatory though.
I hope you will, it’s a really special place. She said.
It won’t be coming from me if it comes down to it. I see myself living here. Gabriel said. Just not right now.
I imagine it’s your dream home. I would live here. She said.
Really? You don’t want to live by the sea?
I would love to but I don’t mind living here, I mean in the mountains. Or maybe If I could have both, one can only dream…
You don’t want to live in Spain? You have Spanish citizenship right? And you’d soon speak Spanish fluently. And your dad’s here. There should be many places that are near both the mountains and the sea. A lot of good options.
I could…you’re right. Near my dad…hmm not sure if I’m welcome though. Also, what will I do here? Also, it’s going to be a question of money. So I think I need to do know first what I’m going to do with my life. Drift a little before finding that one place.
I like that word, drifting. I don’t think I’ve ever drifted before. I always knew what I wanted and where I wanted to be. He said and paused. Maybe we can see each other in Nepal? Until when are you there for? I can fly there from Istanbul after my mission. I could maybe join you for that walk.
I would like that. She said. Until the 18th of May. I’m doing the trek on the 27th of April. It’s my last stop before returning to Singapore.
Oh, I thought you already quit that place? He asked.
Yes but right now I’m still holding my employment visa, I’m just officially on my sabbatical break. She explained. When is your mission finished?
Mid-April…but that could get extended. Sometimes it does when there are delays. Let’s see by then. He said reaching out his hand. Ida held it and they stayed like that until they arrived at the house.
Do you want to take a shower? Or take a nap? Gabriel asked. I can prepare you some breakfast. I only take coffee in the morning. I’ll need to finish things up at my dad’s room.
I’ll just take an apple and I’ll be fine. I probably need to get some more sleep, if that’s OK? She answered.
Of course, I’ll make us lunch later then. See you in a bit?
OK. She grabbed an apple and headed up the stairs. Gabriel?
Yeah? He looked up at her.
Thanks again.
For what?
For everything, last night.