(Continued from Feb. 07, 2010)
When I arrived at our meeting place, Thea was already waiting for me in her Audi. She had explained about the classy car in the restaurant. An elderly aunt, who no longer wanted to drive, had given it to her. The only condition was that Thea had to promise the aunt that she would go shopping with her once a week.
“I made that promise without the slightest hesitation,” Thea said while she flashed a big smile. “Since my dad passed away, Aunt Dorothy is my favorite relative. She is my father’s older sister and she is very considerate. Because of her age, one would expect her to be set in her ways, but she is more flexible than a lot of young people I know. ‘My shopping adventure can take place any day during the week,’ Aunt is fond of saying. ‘Just let me know one day in advance.’ She told me that she starts getting ready hours prior to my arrival in order to avoid any kind of stress. You see, she is a wise lady as well. Apparently, several of her lady friends make themselves sick because they don’t allow enough time to prepare for outings. Aunt pointed out that many older people haven’t accepted the fact that their movement is much slower than it used to be.”
Thea had gone into details concerning her aunt because, sometime in the future, she wanted me to meet the old lady. “I am not sure whether I should prepare her for that meeting or not,” Thea said thoughtfully. “I t would be a nice surprise for her to meet a man who resembles her late brother that much; but, as I told you before, she does like to avoid stress.”
On the opposite side of the table, Alice and Elsie were still talking about a problem that had occurred at the latter’s workplace. Since I had not paid attention to the beginning of that conversation, I preferred listening to the young lady beside me. I was eager to hear more about Thea’s favorite relative.
“Aunt Dorothy is a very rich lady,” Thea continued. “Her late husband left her everything he owned. She lives on a huge estate. Just like in the movies, there are a number of buildings scattered all over the extensive acreage. There is a gardener’s cottage as well as living quarters for a body guard. When her husband passed away, aunt concluded that she no longer needed the guard, but dad explained that, because of circumstances, there was, in fact, a greater need for constant protection.”
On our way to meet Alphonse, Thea told me about an interesting dream that had brightened her morning. She said that among a succession of unrelated images, there was one very clear episode. “Papa walked up to me, kissed me on the cheek and announced: ‘There is someone I want to meet you.’ From a considerable distance, a man began to approach. When he came closer, I recognized him.” She then took her eyes off the road to look at me, saying softly: “you were that man.”
Thea’s father explained to her that he would pass away soon, but that his friend would take his place and regard her as his daughter. “I woke up crying,” she whispered. “But, minutes after, I was happy because I had already met you in real life.”
(To be continued)