Gabriel? Ida softly knocked on the door to Ollie’s room.
Come in. Gabriel said aloud. As she entered, she found him sorting papers on a big table that runs through the right wall of the room. Did you know that the fireball we’ve seen could be actually from an asteroid? He gestured her to come closer as he moved his swivel chair to the other end of the table, where a computer and a printer sits.
Really?
Yeah, I just looked up astronomy news from last night and apparently an asteroid came close to earth yesterday. One fireball landed in Bolivia and left a crater. And the one we saw was seen all over in France and Spain. They really couldn’t say if it was from the asteroid or was just fireball from the meteor shower. Some photos have come out, look. He showed her photos on the computer screen.
I wish I could have taken that photo. But we had a better view! She said. Was it close enough to have hit us?
Close but not that close. Don’t worry, we would have known if it would hit us. As you know, we’ve been monitoring the skies specifically for that. But one day it may happen.
Do you think so? I feel we have this sense of immortality that we won’t ever die. I mean at least for me personally but I think this feeling extends to humanity in general. Even if we know there’s a possibility of being hit, we won’t think it’ll ever happen in our lifetime. Like we’re kind of protected in some way.
Then one day, while you’re in the bathroom taking a dump, boooom! He hit the table with a small thump. The earth ceases to exist.
Why are your scenarios like that? She made a face and then smiled.
But that’s highly probable, non? We spend a lot of time in the toilet.
She laughed then. Seriously, do you think that’s what it takes for us to seriously consider our precarious fragile existence? To give us perspective?
You know how the saying goes: We never know what’s coming until it hits us. That’s my answer.
She laughed again. You never take my questions seriously!
I am serious. He replied. Sometimes, it’s just easier for us to face things when it’s right there. Like death or impending doom.
I guess. But what if it’s actually helping us live our lives fully. Knowing that we can die anytime or hit by an asteroid? I know I need that perspective. Sometimes I’m stuck with my issues like it’s the most important thing but when I zoom out, my entire life will just be a minuscule, insignificant, blip in the history of the world and the universe.
It’s a good perspective to have unless you’re escaping your problems which I think you kind of do. He said looking at her eyes.
She met his eyes and smiled. You could also be a psychotherapist, you know?
He laughed. You’re a wonderful blip in the universe by the way. He said nonchalantly as he swiveled back to the other end of the table.
She didn’t know what to say to that so she just let out an appreciative laugh. She looked around the room. How beautiful is this room. Can I check it out? Ida asked.
Yeah, feel free. I’m just finishing up here. His face started to look serious again. They barely said anything to each other at lunch. He seemed to be thinking about something. She was glad that they started to joke around again.
She looked around her. The room has a king-sized bed that faced floor-to-ceiling door windows, which then opened up to a large balcony. She went to see the bathroom which was on the other side of the room. It had a spacious walk-in closet and a bath tub facing a view of the forest. Afterwards, she slided the door to the balcony and went out. Another of the reclining chair that Gabriel’s sister designed sat there alongside a medium-sized telescope pointed at the sky. She could hear the chirping of the birds as she breath in some fresh air. She thought of Ollie and the countless nights he spent on this balcony staring at the sky.
Will you leave the telescope outside? Ida asked as she got back in.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that! Also before I forget. Here. He said as he stood up heading to the balcony. He gave her a large white envelope. It’s for you. From my dad. I found it in his things the other night.
Ida took the envelope and saw a dedication handwritten on the backside. She sat down on the bed and read the inscription. To Ida, trailblaze through the world, like the comet that you are. – Ollie. She took out what’s inside – it was two photos of comets.
Gabriel went back and saw Ida sitting down on the bed. She was looking emotional, like she’s about to cry.
He’s so thoughtful, your dad. He knew I loved these. It’s the Halley’s and Hale-bopp! Ida said excitedly, holding them up with both hands.
He felt a tug of affection as he saw her wide smile, showing her left dimple. Like the first time he saw her. He’d be happy to know you love them. He said.
I’m so happy. He told me he’d print me out some photos but I didn’t think it was these ones. I’ll display them when I have my own place!
I do remember he had been printing those on his last days. He said.
I wish I could thank him personally. She said.
He had mentioned he wanted to hang up some of his photos in his room. I think he’ll be happy knowing his photos will be up somewhere. He said, giving her a wink.
Ida smiled as she gently placed them back inside the envelope.
Gabriel got up and sat back at the table. I’m just about finished here. He said while piling up documents and placing them in different colored folders.
Must be a lot of work. She looked over what he was doing.
Yeah, that’s why my sister will be here this week. She’s in charge of the other technical a stuff. Backup of his photos, loose ends with bookings, and the website. I’m not good at those.
The only thing you’re not good at. She said, her attempt to return his compliment earlier.
He smiled. I’ll continue back there, he said, pointing at the the bathroom. You’re welcome to see his other printed photos. He gave her his seat and patted a pile of folders that were on top of each other.
She sat down the chair and looked through the photos. They were of the moon, colorful galaxies, meteor showers. It’s the sun right? She said as she held one up.
He peeked out from the bathroom. Yeah, he has this big filter in the telescope where you can see the sun. He then came near her, holding a bonnet. That’s a solar flare right there. That’s not easy to capture. You’d have to be stuck to the telescope, like my dad.
I read somewhere, probably in social media, that correlated that sun’s activity to the wars of the world. That every time the sun is active in its cycle, great wars started. For example, the Napoleon war and the Great world wars.
That’s interesting. How exactly?
Well, the theory is that humans feel more agitated and restless during this period of heightened activity by the sun. I saw a graph showing this correlation.
I would have to see that graph. I suppose it could be true. Though, I would more readily believe that solar flares could affect us directly like disrupting satellites, gps and communication systems.
But if indeed it’s true that the sun and the movement of the planets directly affect human behavior and events on earth. What could it mean for humanity? Isn’t that mind blowing?
It could be just another way to understand how the world works. Instead of religion or science, it’s through understanding the heavenly bodies. That comes under the realm astrology.
Yeah, I remember now, I think I saw it from an astrology site. Don’t you think there’s something to it? The earth is definitely affected by the moon – the tides are affected with the phases of the moon. The change of seasons can be tracked with the movement of the sun. It’s not far to think that we could also be affected by them?
I’m open to it but I would have a lot of questions. How exactly does it work? Do they affect us in a cellular level or in terms of energy fields. And I would need to see data showing strong correlations.
I know what you mean, I’m curious too if it could be true. For me though, I think it’d be enough if I can see it working in my own life.
But don’t you think that when we look for patterns, we find patterns? If we want to find meaning, we will find meaning. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Religions are built on giving meaning and answers to our existence. It’s basically what it is. That also means, anyone can make anything up and it’s just about how convincing it is to other people.
Yeah, if I see the correlations so accurately describing my character or the events in my life, I’d probably believe it. She said. Leaving aside the whole debate about astrology for a moment. I could really imagine how long time ago, these would be our gods – what we see in the sky. It’s just the most natural thing to believe in. I’m not against any religion. I just feel they’re trying to say the same thing, you know. But unfortunately they’re made by men and whatever the truth or answer is, something must have gotten distorted along the way. I just feel that if there’s an absolute undeniable truth all of us can believe in, it would directly come from the universe itself.
You know what, you’d be a great ambassador for the universe! He chided. If you’re not in the middle of your midlife crisis, I would consider hiring you as manager for Night Sky. I think you’ll easily learn the tropes of the telescope.
You think so? I’ll take you up on it, next time? Ida said clearly taking it as a joke. She continued looking through the photos while Gabriel was at her back.
I’m half-joking, by the way. Gabriel tapped her back and went back to the bathroom.
Ida smiled and looked out the window. She found herself imagining running the observatory. What would that look like? She would have to learn French. She would be alone there most of the time but she could be happy like that. To look at the night sky every nigh, take photos of the universe…it would be different without
I’m almost done here. Gabriel said interrupting her daydreaming. I’m packing most of my dad’s clothes and things for donation. He had it in his will. He said, closing up a box that’s on the floor.
That’s very kind of him. Classical Ollie. She said. It makes me think that after we’re gone, we really don’t take anything with us. We were born naked and we die…
With a suit. He finished her sentence.
Right? We end up accumulating so many things like it’s so important to us. But really, what’s really essential? Food, family, community, love….
Sex…he grinned.
That, of course. She smiled. Or else there’d be no people left. She said, matter-of-factly.
Ida sat down again on the bed facing the balcony. Gabriel sat with her. He pulled her close with his right arm. She laid her head on his shoulder. What time is your train again? Gabriel asked sheepishly.
At 4pm something. Sorry, but I’d like to be early if you don’t mind. She said. I’m always paranoid missing the train.
Ah, of course. He said looking at his watch. We still have to drop those boxes somewhere on the way. He headed back to the bathroom.
She stood and and took the envelope from the table. She thought about something and scrunched up her nose.
What’s the matter? Gabriel said, seeing her expression.
I’m not sure I can carry this to the Camino. It could rain, and I’m afraid to ruin it. And it will be scrunched up in my bag. Hmmm, what to do.
I could mail it from Paris, just give me an address of your dad’s? Or your address in Singapore? He said.
Maybe Singapore since I still have my things there. I can give you the address of my ex, if you don’t mind. But let me think, maybe that’ll be expensive. She said, trying to work out the logistics in her mind.
Oh, I thought you’ve broken up?
Yes, but he offered to store my things until I figure things out. I plan to move them in December once I’m in Southeast Asia again. My best friend, she’s moving to a bigger place and she said I can keep….
Hey, hey, it’s OK, you don’t need to explain. Gabriel said. But you should know that he wants you back. He looked up at her as he was closing another box.
No, it’s not what you think. We’re just good friends now, he just means well. I’m not planning on going back. Ida said.
OK. He simply said. Just write me the address please. He approached her and gave her a pen and paper.
Actually you know what? I’ll take care of it. I’ll just mail it to my dad when I get to Pau. It’s cheaper that way and I don’t want to bother you. You already have many things to do. She said, feeling guilty about the whole thing.
It’s up to you, let me know if you change your mind later. Gabriel said curtly. I’ll just bring these down to the car. He was carrying two boxes on top of each other. I’ll meet you downstairs in 10?
OK. She wanted to say something more but Gabriel was already outside the hallway. She took one last look at Ollie’s room and quietly closed the door.