The Twenty-Fifth Night

 

Over dinner, Nick asked me:

— So, you’re really going to retire?

— Yes.

— I can’t even picture that hotel without you!

— Nonsense. I leave one day, and the very next someone better comes along.

— And what do you plan to do in retirement?

— I’ve been training in many crafts for over ten years. I think I’m finally ready to share my art with the world, rather than just keeping it tucked away in drawers and on shelves.

— You mean your painting?

— That, and ceramics. I might even start working on a musical piece, with the aim of publishing it.

— And how do you plan to pull that off? I mean, here on the island, aside from the hotel, I don’t really see much of a market for art.

— True enough. I’ve started reaching out to a few galleries in the States. Depending on how things unfold, I may need a secretary.

— Oh yeah?

— Yes. Someone fluent in the language, good with people.

— Oh yeah?

— Yes. Someone like you. But, as I said, that’s for the future. Not just yet.

— You wanna hire me?

— If the opportunity arises, and if you feel like taking it...

— Man, I did not see that coming!

— Didn’t you? Silly boy. The only trouble is, you’d end up spending a lot more time with me — and that could be... problematic.

— Why’s that?

— Because I’m an old bear who loves his solitude and far too easily forgets those around him. Quite the opposite of you. Though you're making a vow of solitude yourself, the truth is, you thrive on people. And deep down, if someone offered you flowers... you’d fall in love on the spot! Am I wrong?

— I can’t lie to you! Guilty as charged, Your Honor!

— Oh, don’t be dramatic! — I said, smiling. What worries me is that a longer coexistence might lead us to grow weary of one another. In my country, we say that intimacy is good for making children — and for losing respect.

We laughed together, and Nick said:

— You wanna know what I think? You're putting way too much weight on something that hasn't even happened — and might never happen!

I looked deep into his eyes and nodded:

— You’re absolutely right, Dr. Nick.

— But you know what else? — he went on — I think it’s beautiful. Because it shows how much you care. I think it’s beautiful.

— Heavens! Did I just give you flowers?

And we both laughed, heartily.