Resolution

26th September 2019

‘What day of the week are we on?' mom asks. 'Is it Saturday?’

‘No, it’s Tuesday.’

‘What month are we on?’

‘September.’

‘Who do I know has a birthday in September?’ she asks herself.

‘I do; and Nicholas did, on the 7th.'

‘What day of the month are we on?'

'The 26th.'

She looks embarrassed.

‘I forgot your birthday, didn't I?'

'No,' I smile. 'In fact, you wished me happy birthday twice - once via Facebook and once in person.'

‘Did you get many presents?'

'None. But that's fine.'

---

'Where’s Nicholas buried?' Nicky was my youngest brother.

'He’s buried with Aunt Pama and Aunt Didi.'

'But how can that be? Is there space in the tomb?'

'They allow a new coffin to be added five years after the previous burial. By that stage the previous coffin has disintegrated.'

'I’d like to go visit him one day.'

'We went a month ago, on the day of the town’s religious procession – it was also Aunt Pama’s birthday. She’d have been 73 years old.'

'I don’t remember.'

'I know.'

---

'Where do you leave your things in London when you visit us?'

'I don’t have anything left in London now. I’ve returned home for good. What I couldn’t fit in my three suitcases I gave away to charity.'

'Won’t you be bored here? It can be so quiet…'

'I love the fresh air and silence. I can meditate; I can work on my writing. Plus, my friends in London and São Paulo promised to visit. I can also help you.'

'Is today Sunday?'

'No, it’s Tuesday.'

'Tuesday? Really? Wow!'

'One day you’ll guess it right, mom.'

She laughs.

---

At night, from her bedroom, she calls out:

'Oliver, are you here to stay for good?'

'Yes, I am.'

'I am so glad.'

'Goodnight.'

'Goodnight.'

Mom and Paçoca asleep. Photo by the author.