09
The instant I got hold of the divorce certificate, I heaved a long, deep sigh, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Stepping out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Claudio glanced at the divorce paper in his hand and then shifted his gaze to me. His voice was devoid of any emotion, so different from the abject and pleading figure he cut just moments ago. He asked, “Can I hug you? For the last time?”
I shot him a fleeting backward glance, remaining silent as I made a beeline for the exit. As he watched my retreating silhouette, a profound sense of sorrow surged within him. He was acutely aware that our lives would no longer intersect. All he could sense was a void in his heart. It wasn’t agonizingly painful, yet it gave him this stifling feeling. It was like the breathless feeling after narrowly escaping drowning. Not unbearably intense, but incessantly nagging at him, a persistent reminder that the grief was very much alive and there to stay.
After leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau, I headed straight to look for Victor. I had a hunch that
he must have something to share with me. It was only when we came face to face that I noticed
Laura was there as well. Victor claimed, “You know Laura. But I wanna let you know her other identity as my cousin.”
Upon hearing those words, I was rooted to the spot, dumbfounded.
Laura then offered an embarrassed smile as she spoke, “Dora, sorry. I had to hide it from you.”
With that, she caught Victor’s eye. Upon getting his silent cue, she quickly made up an
excuse and left.
Only after she had walked away did Victor take his time to spell out his identity to me. He
was the son of the Pisano family. Truth be told, the name Pisano didn’t ring a single bell for me. Catching sight of my puzzled look, he cracked a smile and began to speak, “Our family company isn’t like the regular ones. We don’t come out in the open to start–up companies. We actually pull the strings for lots of companies in different industries and of different sizes. Maybe it’s by collaborating with them, or maybe by running the show ourselves.”
Even though he had explained it, I still didn’t get it.
He carried on, “People like us are sort of the ones pushing the social economy forward from
the shadows. That’s why you probably haven’t heard of us.
“So where have you been?
“Abroad. Study and work.
“So you’re back for…?
“For you. We’ve been out and about training ourselves since we were young. You know, different places, all kinds of environments, various social classes, and diverse groups of people. There’s a whole lot we gotta get to know.
“So, I’m just a fleeting figure in this part of your life journey?
“Yeah, but the time with you is something I just can’t forget. Even though I’ve been to a b
of other places later on, you’re the only one who’s still stuck in my head. Laura had suddenly
taken off once before. It was because I came running back as soon as I heard from her about how you were doing. She probably blew you off to greet me, didn’t she?”
12:42 Thu, 10 Apr
“Yeah, but the time with you is something I just can’t forget. Even though I’ve been to a bunch of other places later on, you’re the only one who’s still stuck in my head. Laura had suddenly taken off once before. It was because I came running back as soon as I heard from her about how you were doing. She probably blew you off to greet me, didn’t she?”
I suddenly recalled that shopping trip before. It all clicked now. No wonder Laura rushed off, claiming there was an emergency, right when she was about to go get the car. So she dumped me to go pick him up. Well, with this piece of the puzzle in place, everything added up.
I asked again, “Last question. How did you do this?
“I can’t tell you. There are just some things you’re better off not knowing. Trust me, I am not
gonna hurt you.
“Alright. I believe you.”
Victor lifted his hand and softly ruffled my hair, wearing a gentle smile as he spoke, “Well, then… would you be so kind as to give me a chance and have a meal with me? It’d be my hon I nodded my head and replied, “Of course, I’m looking forward to having a pleasant meal
you.”
He stretched out his hand, and I delicately laid mine in his palm. Right away, our fingers locked together. The setting sun elongated my shadow, making it seem impossibly long. Fr afar, it almost looked as if it was a glimpse into the remainder of our days, holding all the promises and warmth yet to come.
