The birth of a son, home routines, family. She looks greedily, the past life unfolds before her in broad strokes. How much happiness and joy she had, just joy. Traveling, meeting with a few relatives and friends. Sometimes a Friend called from across the ocean, he did not forget her all these years.
— Are you still happy, dear?
— Yes.
— I will try another time.
But another time the answer remained the same. And the next, and again, and more… He backed down and remained just a Friend, to the bitter end.
No, she was not forgotten. Letters came a lot. It is impossible to read and answer to everyone, it was a kind of lottery for two — for her and the lucky one. What is there in the envelope? If it was decorated with a flower, a heart, or something similar, she sent the letter to the basket. She was attracted by simple outlines, firmly and simply written lines of the address and name. Then — reading. And again, everything was decided by the very first words, the handwriting could say a lot, the color of the ink. So she felt… Wishes of happiness, good luck, hopes for her return, questions about family and health. Even requests… There was one letter … She does not remember where it came from and who sent it. Fingers touched hair. They are still long and thick, just now gray… Then she was proud of her hair mane and the fan asked for a curl. Of course, she did not answer. But remembered. And the moment came when this memory was useful. But more about that later, if there is time. How fast it goes … And how much more she want to see, feel again, because… After all, everything passes in front of her for the last time. Then — eternal darkness. She took a deep breath to get enough of it, to feel the coolness and freshness of this magic evening. Who gave her this, who did not want her to leave, slackening helplessly in her bed? No answer. Another breath… How much water has she already drunk? She carefully glanced at the decanter out of the corner of her eye, dreading to see the truth — a little lake on the very bottom. Let be. But she could stand here and watch, hear. To alive again! Not for a long time. Let be. Deep breathing has awakened long-standing chest pain — a trace of the road accident and broken ribs. The pain, however, reminded of something else, something that still sometimes causes a secret forbidden melancholy. How many years have passed? She does not remember exactly.
It was a bright summer populous day, he suddenly froze in the middle of the street, with his head up, staring at the church spire. She did not have time to brake and knocked him down, strongly hitting him in the side. Lord… He flew off to the sidewalk, rolled a few yards and froze. The surrounding people screamed in fright and she had already opened the door and jumped out, bent and took her hand. Then she was still fast, impetuous, slim, no one gave her more than thirty-five or forty, and she already was… She grinned, looking at the screen still hanging in front of the window, no matter how much she was. And it is important that everything with the poor fellow turned out to be in order, nothing broken. They were surrounded by excitedly speaking people, she bent toward him, close… Quite young, long hair fell in disorder on his shoulders, his glasses slipped on the tip of his nose… The view would have been frivolous if not for firmly compressed lips and not a look. She was surprised — there was no anger or annoyance in him. Only participation, empathy and desire to help. Help her? Yes.
“How are you, monsieur, it's okay?”
He shook his head, do not understand French. I switched to English. The guy smiled, nodded, wincing a little. He tried to sit down. The crowd around worried, demanding to lie down and wait for the doctor, he was already called. The guy frowned and raised his hand, asking everyone to fall silent. He looked at me and realized how was I uncomfortable here. Did he recognized me? Not? I do not think. He is too young. Even local residents have long ceased to associate the once-famous name with the humble madame. I always introduce myself as my husband's name. So, as a rule, I enjoy my incognito. But I need to take the guy to the hospital, I can not leave him on the street. And there … It will be necessary to fill out documents, to explain to the police. Publicity and a small scandal for the joy of the press. A newspaper headline appeared before my eyes. Oh, how I don't want to … May be, I will wait for the promised doctor and then quietly disappear? No. It's dishonorable.
— Miss, I'm fine, do not worry and sorry. This is my fault, staring and did not notice your car.
I shuddered when I heard this heavy accent. How did he get here? And this old-fashioned "Miss"… But thoughts off, if he's all right, then …
— Are you sure? Maybe it’s still necessary to wait for a doctor or do you want me to take you to the hospital? Not far from here. You never know, it may be a strong injury or fracture. Costs, of course, I …
He did not let me continue and quickly sat down. Yet it hurts him, I can notice this, for many years I studied various facial expressions. And a great idea came to my mind … I lowered my voice and said in a tone of conspirator.
— I guess we can disappear from here?
So he appeared in my home, it was the best way out —
