«It was worth it», says the old man out loud as he seizes a bunch of envelopes from the mail box. On the first one, he recognizes his sister Hilde’s handwriting.
Next is the electric bill and some credit card advertisements disguised as personal mail. “You have won a big prize”. “An exceptional offer for you, Mr./Mrs. Bliter”. His name is written in bold, upper case letters on the last envelope. Interesting. Savoring the excitement palpitating in his chest, Hugues sets it on the table next to his coffee cup. He throws away the promotional ads, places the bill on the hallway dresser, then reads his sister’s letter. Her youngest daughter Savannah is moving abroad. Hilde is inviting Hugues to a going away party to honor her departure. Why not.
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| Savannah’s ample writing appears, filling up the whole page. |
Hugues no longer goes out much. The farm keeps him busy even though much of its maintenance is now the responsibility of the administrator. Two or three times a day, Hugues tours the outhouses, watching faithfully over the livestock. He verifies the animals’ water supply and the quality of their grain. He mounts his thoroughbred and disappears into the forest for hours at a time, bathing in the peaceful surroundings that echo deep inside him. Hughes loves to reign over his territory.
«I will miss Savannah» thinks the old man. He sits at the table. Amongst his sister’s four daughters, she is the one who resembles him the most. Although Hugues is godfather to one of Hilde’s sons, and not Savannah’s, he feels a special affinity towards her. During family dinners, they will often exchange a wink in the middle of the big brouhaha caused by the abundant gathering. Like he, Savannah functions better in solitude. Furthermore, she too never married.
So his niece is settling abroad. The letter indicates Madagascar. He suspects the preparations will be extensive; surely this will be his only chance to see her again. Hugues grabs the coffee cup, and his glance falls on the letter he has put aside. He takes a sip of his coffee, and with curiosity, rips open the envelope. Precisely, Savannah’s ample writing appears, filling up the whole page.
Uncle Hugues,
Mom has asked me to post her mail, so I take this opportunity to write you this note. Through her invitation, you will find out that I am leaving.
How can I put it? You and I are the same, Uncle Hugues. I understand this now. We are people of few words, except perhaps with ourselves. This is our nature. What I long mistook for a character flaw, I finally accept. I no longer justify or counter it. I am ready to move forward.
It is important for me to tell you that I care about you. I admire the way you lead your life: I aspire to follow your example. A nurse can build her life anywhere. The smiles of the inhabitants over there give me confidence.
Take care, Uncle Hugues.
I feel so light I could fly to the mailbox!
Savannah
Mom has asked me to post her mail, so I take this opportunity to write you this note. Through her invitation, you will find out that I am leaving.
How can I put it? You and I are the same, Uncle Hugues. I understand this now. We are people of few words, except perhaps with ourselves. This is our nature. What I long mistook for a character flaw, I finally accept. I no longer justify or counter it. I am ready to move forward.
It is important for me to tell you that I care about you. I admire the way you lead your life: I aspire to follow your example. A nurse can build her life anywhere. The smiles of the inhabitants over there give me confidence.
Take care, Uncle Hugues.
I feel so light I could fly to the mailbox!
Savannah
A tear runs down the old man’s cheek. Without knowing why, he begins to cry. A bout of sobbing rips from his chest. Pushing back his cup, he rests his head against his arms, on the table, remaining this way for a long time.
Translation: Anna Di Vito
Photo © https://unsplash.com/photos/MYfV_d03Ty4