TE21 Serbian Moments

Nikola Tutek

The Widower

Her biggest dream and her main objective were to escape.

Richard had two weeks’ holidays before he had to return to Hong Kong. Multinational corporative ethics did not allow for a longermourning period. And therewere thedivorce papers to be taken care of. It was all so complicated and torturous. Egan told him to relax as much as he could. Enjoy every moment. Annie offered towalk Richard to the shop every morning. They walked. In the evening of one day, Annie produced playing cards. She taught them some silly game. They liked it. Egan was immensely happy to see his son recuperate. His face regained color. He seemed back on track. Egan decided to ask:

“All I wanna do is to get the fuck out of this shithole town.”

She moved into Egan’s house. Egan did not mind. Now there were sounds in the house. Smells of food or coffee that would catch up with Egan even in the most private corners of his home. She was desperately desolate. And he had no one. After twomonths, their symbiosis seemed like themost natural thing. Egan had to repair the bed again. He allowed Annie to put Kate’s framed pictures intoadrawer. Actually, hewas happy she did it. Somebody finally did it. Then the phone rang. It was Richard. He was broken. He said he was getting divorced and he’d be coming home in a week. Annie was a bit anxious about her place in the house after Richard arrived. One morning Egan assured her that her place will not change unless she decides to change it. She was relieved to hear that, and she made scrambled eggs. There was heavy rain. Richard opening the front door of his parents’ house, his clothes drenched with rain, with one large suitcase in each of his hands. It was like a scene from a film. Annie noticed that. Egan hugged his son. Itwas a long, resolute hug. No words were spoken. Richard went to his room to sleep early but instead, he spent most of the night crying. Egan heard him. Egan knew that you never cry for just one thing.

“It’s none of my business, I know, but – what happened?”

“She spoke too much. Way too much. And she wanted kids. I didn’t.”

“Fair enough.”

Four days before departure, father and son sat at the kitchen table and drank coffee. Richard felt it was his turn to ask questions.

“Are you happy now?”

“I don’t bother with these questions anymore. Lately, I’ve discovered a lot about myself. I’m content. I feel almost as if I opened my third eye.’

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