Resolution
“What day of the week are we on?” my mom asks. “Is it Saturday?”
“No, it’s Tuesday.”
“What month are we on?”
“September.”
“Who do I know has a birthday in September?” she asks herself.
“I do; and Nicholas did, on the 7th.”
"What day of the month are we on?"
"The 26th."
She looks embarrassed.
"I forgot your birthday didn't I?"
"No," I smile. "In fact you wished me happy birthday twice - once via Facebook and once in person."
"Did you get many presents?"
"None. But that's fine."
...
“Where is Nicholas buried?” Nicky was my youngest brother.
“He’s buried with Aunt Pama and Aunt Didi.”
“But how can that be? Is there space in the tomb?”
“They allow a new coffin to be added at least five years after the previous burial. By that stage the previous coffin has disintegrated.”
“I’d like to go visit him one day.”
“We went recently, on the day of the town’s religious procession - it was also Aunt Pama’s birthday. She would have been 73 years old.”
“I don’t remember.”
“I know…”
…
“Where do you leave your things in London when you visit us?”
“I don’t have anything left in London now. I’ve returned home for good. What I couldn’t fit in my three suitcases I gave away to charity.”
“Won’t you be bored here? It can be so quiet…”
“No… I love it here. I love the fresh air and the silence. I can meditate, I can work on my writing. Plus my friends in London and São Paulo have promised that they’ll visit. But above all, I can now help you.”
“Is today Sunday?”
“No, it’s Tuesday.”
“Tuesday? Really? Wow!”
“One day you’ll guess it right mom.”
She laughs.
…
At night, from her bedroom, she calls out:
“Oliver, are you here to stay for good?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I am so glad.”
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
This entry is part of LJ Idol, a submission under the theme of "Resolution" for Week 1.