{"id":12240,"date":"2018-06-15T14:08:12","date_gmt":"2018-06-15T12:08:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/egophobia.ro\/?p=12240"},"modified":"2018-06-15T23:13:48","modified_gmt":"2018-06-15T21:13:48","slug":"fiicele-noastre-de-sare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/?p=12240","title":{"rendered":"Fiicele noastre de sare"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0[text premiat la Blecher Fest<\/a> 2018]<\/strong><\/p>\n

de Norbert Matei<\/p>\n

B\u0103rbatul purta un smoking negru \u0219i pantofi l\u0103cui\u021bi. St\u0103tea \u00eentins pe o parte, cu ochii \u00eenchi\u0219i \u0219i obrazul \u0219i um\u0103rul drept \u00eengropate \u00een nisip \u0219i ap\u0103 s\u0103rat\u0103, acolo unde valurile sp\u0103lau \u021b\u0103rmul c\u00e2t era ziua de lung\u0103.<\/p>\n

Apa venea \u0219i \u00eel acoperea p\u00e2n\u0103 la br\u00e2u, apoi se retr\u0103gea pentru scurt\u0103 vreme. Doar ca s\u0103 fac\u0103 acela\u0219i lucru din nou. \u0218i din nou. B\u0103rbatul era un om al apelor, iar oceanul nu putea trezi un om al apelor. Doar soarele putea. A\u0219a c\u0103 atunci c\u00e2nd diminea\u021ba \u00eencepu s\u0103 se consume, spre pr\u00e2nz, iar razele s\u0103 ias\u0103 din nori, b\u0103rbatul deschise ochii \u0219i trase cu poft\u0103 aerul curat \u00een pl\u0103m\u00e2ni.<\/p>\n

Ce sim\u021bea el nu era ca o mahmureal\u0103 \u0219i nici ca trezirea extenuant\u0103 la via\u021b\u0103 a unui naufragiat care c\u0103lcase apa toat\u0103 noaptea. Uneori \u00ee\u0219i imagina c\u0103 trebuie s\u0103 fie mai aproape de ce simt balenele e\u0219uate. Avusese de f\u0103cut ceva important. Un plan fusese pus la punct \u0219i responsabilitatea fusese numai a lui, iar el d\u0103duse gre\u0219. Acum se afla acolo, f\u0103r\u0103 s\u0103 \u00ee\u0219i aminteasc\u0103 ce f\u0103cuse sau, mai degrab\u0103, ce nu f\u0103cuse.<\/p>\n

Se ridic\u0103 \u00eentr-un cot \u0219i \u00ee\u0219i scutur\u0103 nisipul de pe fa\u021b\u0103 \u0219i din p\u0103r, apoi \u00ee\u0219i dezmor\u021bi maxilarul. Particulele aspre \u00eei scr\u00e2\u0219nir\u0103\u00a0 puternic \u00eentre m\u0103sele p\u00e2n\u0103 s\u0103 se str\u00e2mbe \u0219i s\u0103 le scuipe, chinuindu-se s\u0103 invoce fiecare pic\u0103tur\u0103 de saliv\u0103 pe care o avea \u00een corp. Arunc\u0103 apoi o privire la linia orizontului. Un petrolier robust \u00een dep\u0103rtare. \u021aipete de pesc\u0103ru\u0219i. Zgomotul valurilor. Se ridic\u0103 \u00een capul oaselor \u0219i privi peste um\u0103r. Dune de nisip \u0219i smocuri de iarb\u0103 uscat\u0103. Un gard din b\u00e2rne de lemn, care nu desp\u0103r\u021bea nimic de nimic. Din nou, \u021bipete de pesc\u0103ru\u0219i.<\/p>\n

L\u0103s\u0103 m\u00e2na dreapt\u0103 s\u0103-i alunece \u00een buzunar ca \u0219i c\u00e2nd ar fi fost programat\u0103 s\u0103 fac\u0103 asta \u0219i s\u0103 scoat\u0103 \u00eentre dou\u0103 degete o bucat\u0103 de h\u00e2rtie ud\u0103 \u0219i \u00eemp\u0103turit\u0103 \u00een dou\u0103. O scutur\u0103 cu grij\u0103 \u0219i o l\u0103s\u0103 s\u0103 se usuce \u00een v\u00e2ntul s\u0103rat pentru c\u00e2teva clipe, apoi o deschise \u0219i citi.<\/p>\n

11:56. ALICE ARSENEAULT. 7. TOCMAI A \u00ceNV\u0102\u021aAT S\u0102 MEARG\u0102 PE BICICLET\u0102.<\/em><\/p>\n

Autorul mesajului folosise un creion pentru a a\u0219terne pe h\u00e2rtie cuvintele, care erau scrise cu majuscule tremurate \u0219i erau desp\u0103r\u021bite de c\u00e2te un punct bine ap\u0103sat \u00een foaie. \u00cen unele locuri ap\u0103sase at\u00e2t de tare c\u0103 foia era g\u0103urit\u0103. Era o gaur\u0103 \u00eenainte de TOCMAI A \u00ceNV\u0102\u021aAT S\u0102 MEARG\u0102 PE BICICLET\u0102<\/em> \u0219i una dup\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Arunc\u0103 \u00eenc\u0103 o privire spre ocean \u0219i \u00eenc\u0103 una \u00een spatele lui, la dunele de nisip, apoi se ridic\u0103 cu totul. \u00cencerc\u0103 pentru o clip\u0103 s\u0103 \u00ee\u0219i aminteasc\u0103 pozi\u021bia corect\u0103 a picioarelor. Trebuiau s\u0103 fie paralele? Nu trebuiau? Cu m\u00e2inile ce trebuia s\u0103 fac\u0103? Anumite lucruri \u00eei veneau de la sine. Altele nu. Hot\u0103r\u0103 s\u0103 \u00eencerce \u0219i s\u0103 vad\u0103 ce func\u021bioneaz\u0103, iar asta \u00eel ajut\u0103 s\u0103 r\u0103m\u00e2n\u0103 \u00een pozi\u021bia corect\u0103 definitiv.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Analiz\u0103 din nou biletul. O or\u0103 marca \u00eenceputul mesajului.<\/p>\n

11:56. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00ce\u0219i flex\u0103 u\u0219or bra\u021bul st\u00e2ng vr\u00e2nd s\u0103-\u0219i consulte ceasul, dar cele dou\u0103 limbi metalice indicau ora 03:15. \u0218tia c\u0103 ceasul lui nu r\u0103m\u0103sese pur \u0219i simplu f\u0103r\u0103 baterie. Cu fiecare spargere a valurilor de \u021b\u0103rm, b\u0103rbatul \u00eencepu s\u0103 \u00ee\u0219i aminteasc\u0103. Unele lucruri erau mai clare dec\u00e2t altele. Alte lucruri erau pur \u0219i simplu. Toate \u00eel dureau la fel de tare.<\/p>\n

Un pesc\u0103ru\u0219 t\u0103ie aerul aproape de capul lui \u0219i slobozi un \u021bip\u0103t ascu\u021bit. B\u0103rbatul b\u0103g\u0103 cu grij\u0103 biletul \u00eenapoi \u00een buzunar \u0219i ascult\u0103 vuietul care venea de dup\u0103 dunele de nisip. Era acolo o \u0219osea, iar pe ea treceau ma\u0219ini. Unele dintre ma\u0219inile acelea aveau s\u0103 se opreasc\u0103 la doi kilometri spre st\u00e2nga lui, \u00een parcarea restaurantului pesc\u0103resc La Tortue Tardive<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Avea o treab\u0103 acolo \u0219i era uregent\u0103. Sim\u021bea c\u0103 timpul nu era de partea lui. Era ca \u0219i c\u00e2nd via\u021ba lui sau a cuiva drag depindea de asta, a\u0219a c\u0103 o lu\u0103 din loc.<\/p>\n

Pe l\u00e2ng\u0103 toate astea, nu b\u0103use dec\u00e2t ap\u0103 s\u0103rat\u0103 \u00een ultima vreme. Deci \u00eei era sete.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Alice Arseneault parc\u0103 \u00een fa\u021ba restaurantului, apoi mai r\u0103mase o vreme \u00een scaun, cu m\u00e2inile pe volan \u0219i centura tras\u0103 peste piept. O mul\u021bime de \u00eentreb\u0103ri nu \u00eei d\u0103deau pace \u0219i roiau \u00een capul ei ca ni\u0219te viespi s\u0103lbatice, d\u00e2ndu-i o migren\u0103 teribil\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mai \u00eent\u00e2i \u00ee\u0219i d\u0103du jos ochelarii de soare, pe care \u00eei b\u0103g\u0103 la loc \u00een tocul lor, iar tocul \u00eel l\u0103s\u0103 s\u0103 alunece \u00een geant\u0103. Apoi decupl\u0103 centura. Apoi arunc\u0103 o privire \u00een oglind\u0103. O mul\u021bime de \u00eentreb\u0103ri nu \u00eei d\u0103deau pace. Ce anume c\u0103uta acolo nu mai era una dintre ele.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Deschise torpedoul \u0219i b\u0103g\u0103 m\u00e2na \u00een mormanul de c\u0103r\u021bi de vizit\u0103, pliante \u0219i articolele decupate din ziare \u0219i reviste. Toate abordau acelea\u0219i subiecte \u0219i promovau acelea\u0219i servicii: vr\u0103jitoare, clarv\u0103z\u0103toare, \u0219edin\u021be de spiritism sau ghicitoare. De sub ele trase afar\u0103 un telefon vechi, de culoare argintie. Cu ni\u0219te ani \u00eenainte telefonul \u00eei \u021binuse secret\u0103 aventura pe care o avuse cu un b\u0103rbat cu 20 de ani mai t\u00e2n\u0103r ca ea. Acum, chiar dac\u0103 nu mai avea de cine s\u0103 ascund\u0103 lucruri, telefonul acela \u00eei p\u0103stra \u00een secret durerea. De\u0219i se g\u00e2ndea la moartea fiicei ei mai mult ca la un gol, pe care niciuna dintre femeile acelea, care pretindeau c\u0103 au puteri speciale sau talente nemaiv\u0103zute, nu fusese \u00een stare s\u0103 i-l umple. Cu excep\u021bia uneia dintre ele.<\/p>\n

Cu unghia degetului mare \u00eempinse \u00een sus ecranul telefonului \u0219i tast\u0103 codul de securitate, apoi reciti ultimul mesaj. 11:56. LA TORTUE TARDIVE. MASA 7. EL VA FI ACOLO. TE ROG AI GRIJ\u0102. MADAME M.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00ce\u0219i verific\u0103 ceasul: 11.54.<\/p>\n

B\u0103g\u0103 telefonul \u00een geant\u0103, ie\u0219i din ma\u0219in\u0103 \u0219i intr\u0103 \u00een holul restaurantului.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fata care era \u00eens\u0103rcinat\u0103 cu primirea clien\u021bilor purta pantaloni albi de costum \u0219i un tricou \u00een dungi \u0219i se f\u00e2st\u00e2ci o vreme c\u00e2nd Alice \u00ee\u0219i d\u0103du numele.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eE\u0219ti nou\u0103?\u201d o \u00eentreb\u0103 Alice schi\u021b\u00e2nd un z\u00e2mbet.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fata ridic\u0103 privirea \u0219i aprob\u0103, scutur\u00e2ndu-\u0219i b\u0103rbia \u0219i str\u00e2ng\u00e2ndu-\u0219i ru\u0219inat\u0103 buzele.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eUite-m\u0103.\u201d o ajut\u0103 Alice indic\u00e2nd cu degetul ar\u0103t\u0103tor pe tabel numele ei. \u201eMasa 7. Alice Arseneault!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDa, desigur, doamn\u0103 Arseneault!\u201d inton\u0103 fata cu o voce tremur\u00e2nd\u0103.\u00a0 \u201eSo\u021bul dumneavoastr\u0103 a ajuns deja!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201eNu e so\u021bul meu!\u201d \u00eei r\u0103spunse Alice privindu-\u0219i m\u00e2inile.<\/p>\n

\u201eDesigur. Veni\u021bi dupa mine, v\u0103 rog?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Alice ezit\u0103. Acolo, \u00een hol, \u00een partea opusa pupitrului din lemn \u00eemprejmuit de plase de pescuit al hostessei, se afla o oglind\u0103 oval\u0103 montat\u0103 \u00eentre ni\u0219te fotografii vechi \u00eeng\u0103lbenite \u0219i un colac de salvare. F\u0103cu un pas \u00een fa\u021ba ei \u0219i \u00ee\u0219i d\u0103du jos balonzaidul maro, \u00eemp\u0103turindu-l \u00een dou\u0103 \u0219i a\u0219ez\u00e2ndu-\u0219i-l pe bra\u021b, r\u0103m\u00e2n\u00e2nd doar \u00een puloverul alb \u0219i blugii evaza\u021bi alba\u0219tri. \u00ce\u0219i scoase repede rujul din geant\u0103 \u0219i \u00ee\u0219i corect\u0103 buzele, apoi se ciupi \u00eencet de pielea flasc\u0103 de pe g\u00e2t \u0219i \u00ee\u0219i mas\u0103 u\u0219or obrajii rida\u021bi. Apoi \u00ee\u0219i aranj\u0103 p\u0103rul c\u0103runt.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eN-o s\u0103 m\u0103 recunoasc\u0103!\u201d \u0219opti ea, dup\u0103 care porni pe urmele hostessei.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 P\u00e2n\u0103 \u00een momentul acela, b\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking de la masa \u0219apte b\u0103u nici mai mult \u0219i nici mai pu\u021bin de cinci sticle de ap\u0103 rece de la robinet. C\u00e2nd hostessa o aduse pe Alice Arseneault la locul ei, b\u0103rbatul \u021binea capul dat pe spate, iar lipit\u0103 de buze sticla cu num\u0103rul \u0219ase. O ochi cu privirea pe Alice, care se a\u0219ez\u0103 de partea cealalt\u0103 a mesei, dar nu cobor\u00e2 sticla de la gur\u0103. Continu\u0103 s\u0103 bea p\u00e2n\u0103 c\u00e2nd nu mai fu nimic de b\u0103ut \u00een ea, iar atunci l\u0103s\u0103 sticla transpirat\u0103 pe mas\u0103 \u0219i o astup\u0103 la loc cu dopul de plut\u0103, se \u0219terse la gur\u0103 cu \u0219ervetul din farfurie \u0219i \u00eenchise ochii, savur\u00e2nd senza\u021bia pe care lichidul rece \u0219i nes\u0103rat i-l l\u0103sase \u00een gur\u0103. Sim\u021bea cum apa dulce curge prin el cu repeziciunea unui izovr natural, reanim\u00e2ndu-i fiecare p\u0103rticic\u0103 din corp. Degetele \u0219i bra\u021bele \u0219i picioarele \u0219i umerii \u00ee\u0219i recap\u0103taser\u0103 for\u021bele. Spatele i se \u00eendreptase \u0219i fruntea i se descre\u021bise. O p\u00e2cl\u0103 parc\u0103 \u00eei acoperise p\u00e2n\u0103 atunci ochii, dar disp\u0103ruse complet \u00een momentul acela.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Alice \u00eei f\u0103cu un semn osp\u0103tarului \u0219i comand\u0103 un pahar de vin ro\u0219u.<\/p>\n

\u201eBun\u0103!\u201d zise ea privindu-l atent\u0103, \u00eencerc\u00e2nd parc\u0103 s\u0103-l memoreze c\u00e2t de bine putea. B\u0103rbatul era t\u00e2n\u0103r \u0219i avea ochii la fel de alba\u0219tri ca oceanul pe timp de var\u0103. Pielea care \u00eei acoperea maxilarul proeminent era b\u0103rbierit\u0103 impecabil, iar p\u0103rul negru \u0219i lucios piept\u0103nat peste cap. Purta un smoking negru \u0219i o c\u0103ma\u0219\u0103 alb\u0103 cu jabou care, \u00een opinia lui Alice, p\u0103reau cel pu\u021bin demodate. <\/strong>M\u00e2inile \u00eei erau mici \u0219i p\u0103reau fine, ca ale unui b\u0103rbat care nu avusese din cele mai obi\u0219nuite \u0219i grele preocup\u0103ri \u00een via\u021b\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 B\u0103rbatul era mereu cel care sp\u0103rgea ghea\u021ba. Oamenii pe care \u00eei \u00eent\u00e2lnea nu erau tot timpul din cei mai vorb\u0103re\u021bi. Nu \u00eel mai salutare nimeni a\u0219a, p\u00e2n\u0103 \u00een momentul acela. Se g\u00e2ndi la ce s\u0103 r\u0103spund\u0103 \u0219i arunc\u0103 o privire \u00een jur.<\/p>\n

Un sc\u00e2ncet de copil \u00eentr-un c\u0103ru\u021b. Cineva sorbind zgomots dintr-un pahar. Por\u021belan zg\u00e2riat de tac\u00e2muri. Osp\u0103tarii trec\u00e2nd prin u\u0219ile batante ale buc\u0103t\u0103riei. Muzic\u0103 \u00een surdin\u0103. R\u00e2sete. Zgomot de vase. Cineva \u00eentreb\u00e2nd dac\u0103 \u00ee\u0219i poate fuma \u021bigara electronic\u0103 \u00een\u0103untru. Pahare ciocnindu-se. Cineva sug\u00e2nd zgomotos con\u021binutul unei stridii. Pocnetul unei sticle de vin spumant proasp\u0103t deschise. Cineva lupt\u00e2ndu-se cu cochilia unui crab. O feti\u021b\u0103 intr\u00e2nd \u00een restaurant, de pe terasa care d\u0103dea spre plaj\u0103, \u00eempreun\u0103 cu tat\u0103l ei \u00eenalt, \u00eembr\u0103cat \u00een pantaloni gri, c\u0103ma\u0219\u0103 bleumarin \u0219i p\u0103l\u0103rie Panama. Feti\u021ba purta o pelerin\u0103 de ploaie verde \u0219i \u021binea \u00een bra\u021be un zmeu.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eFiica mea iubea zmeele!\u201d r\u0103spunse el urm\u0103rindu-i pe cei doi \u201eI-am f\u0103cut unul pe care am desenat \u00eempreun\u0103 o rachet\u0103! Cred c\u0103 i-a pl\u0103cut \u0103la \u00een mod special.\u201d f\u0103cu o pauz\u0103 \u0219i \u00ee\u0219i mut\u0103 privirea c\u0103tre sticlele goale din fa\u021ba lui, apoi o privi pe Alice \u00een ochi. \u201e\u00ce\u0219i dorea s\u0103 ajung\u0103 \u00een spa\u021biu!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eCred c\u0103 to\u021bi copii \u00ee\u0219i doresc s\u0103 devin\u0103 astronau\u021bi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu \u0219i ea. Nu a apucat!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eFiica ta?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu. Fiica ta!\u201d \u00eei r\u0103spunse el rece \u201eNora a fost numele ei. P\u0103rin\u021bii ei au vrut s\u0103 o trimit\u0103 la Le Rosey, pentru c\u0103 e cea mai bun\u0103 \u0219coal\u0103 din Elve\u021bia. Dar nu a apucat. \u00cemi pare r\u0103u pentru asta.\u201d f\u0103cu din nou o pauz\u0103, analiz\u00e2nd sticlele goale \u201eAcum tat\u0103l ei \u00ee\u0219i tr\u0103ie\u0219te durerea cum poate. Mama ei face la fel. Dar mama ei s-a s\u0103turat. De aia a venit aici. Pentru c\u0103 s-a s\u0103turat. \u0218i crede c\u0103 eu pot s-o ajut.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201e\u0218i po\u021bi?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eE treaba mea s\u0103 o ajut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

***<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chelnerul reveni la mas\u0103 cu un pahar de vin ro\u0219u. La indica\u021biile b\u0103rbatului \u00een smoking plec\u0103 \u0219i reveni cu \u00eenc\u0103 o sticl\u0103 de ap\u0103 de la robinet, apoi le str\u00e2nse pe cele goale pe o tav\u0103 rotund\u0103 \u0219i plec\u0103 din nou.<\/p>\n

\u201eTe-ai g\u00e2ndit bine la asta! Nu te pot conduce dac\u0103 nu te-ai g\u00e2ndit bine la asta!\u201d spuse b\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking dup\u0103 ce b\u0103u \u0219i a \u0219aptea sticl\u0103 dintr-o \u00eenghi\u021bitur\u0103.<\/p>\n

Alice Arseneault nu-i r\u0103spunse. Sorbi de c\u00e2teva ori din vinul ei, f\u0103r\u0103 s\u0103 \u00ee\u0219i dezlipeasc\u0103 privirea de el.<\/p>\n

\u201eC\u00e2nd ar trebui s\u0103 o facem?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201eOric\u00e2nd crezi c\u0103 e\u0219ti gata.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201eE mult\u0103 lume aici. O s\u0103 ne vad\u0103 cineva \u0219i o s\u0103 ne opreasc\u0103!\u201d<\/p>\n

B\u0103rbatul z\u00e2mbi, juc\u00e2ndu-se cu degetele pe sticla goal\u0103 \u00eenc\u0103 aburit\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u201eN-o s\u0103 ne vad\u0103 nimeni!\u201d<\/p>\n

Din nou, Alice Arseneault nu spuse nimic. Sorbi din pahar \u0219i \u00eel privi pe b\u0103rbat.<\/p>\n

\u201eAr\u0103\u021bi de parc\u0103 vrei s\u0103 m\u0103 \u00eentrebi ceva!\u201d<\/p>\n

Alice r\u0103suci o vreme piciorul paharului \u00eentre degete, apoi d\u0103du aprobator din cap.<\/p>\n

\u201ePo\u021bi s\u0103 m\u0103 \u00eentrebi. Toat\u0103 lumea vrea s\u0103 m\u0103 \u00eentrebe c\u00e2te ceva. Dar n-o s\u0103-\u021bi pice prea u\u0219or r\u0103spunsurile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201e\u00cen ce sens n-o s\u0103-mi pice prea u\u0219or?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201e\u00cen sensul c\u0103 s-ar putea s\u0103 nu crezi tot ce \u00ee\u021bi spun. Nimeni nu crede. Deci n-o s\u0103 te \u00eenvinuiesc.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201e\u00cen regul\u0103!\u201d r\u0103spunse Alice \u0219i lu\u0103 \u00eenc\u0103 o gur\u0103 de vin, apoi \u00ee\u0219i a\u0219ez\u0103 m\u00e2inile una peste alt\u0103 pe mas\u0103, la fel cum \u0219i le-ar fi \u021binut un avocat, \u0219i \u00ee\u0219i formul\u0103 prima \u00eentrebare.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDe ce faci asta?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eFac asta doar pentru oamenii care vor s\u0103\u2026\u201d b\u0103rbatul ezit\u0103 scurt, iar Alice prinse o lic\u0103rire pasager\u0103 \u00een ochii lui, apoi continu\u0103 \u201ePentru oamenii care vor s\u0103 nu se mai \u00eentoarc\u0103.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201e\u0102sta nu e un r\u0103spuns!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDe ce?\u201d \u00eentreb\u0103 b\u0103rbatul tres\u0103rind ca \u0219i c\u00e2nd mintea i-ar fi plutit \u00een alt\u0103 direc\u021bie p\u00e2n\u0103 atunci.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201ePentru c\u0103 te-am \u00eentrebat de ce o faci. Nu pentru cine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 B\u0103rbatul z\u00e2mbi.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eCred c\u0103\u2026\u201d \u00eenchise ochii \u0219i \u00ee\u0219i a\u0219ez\u0103 \u0219i el m\u00e2inile pe mas\u0103. \u201eCred c\u0103 pentru fiica mea. Dac\u0103 fac asta aflu de fiecare dat\u0103 c\u00e2te ceva despre ea!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eUnde e fiica ta?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu \u0219tiu\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eCum afli lucruri despre ea?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eUneori \u00eemi sunt \u0219optite. Alte ori le g\u0103sesc scrise pe un bilet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eCine scrie biletele?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu \u0219tiu!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu po\u021bi s\u0103-\u021bi vezi fiica!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDin p\u0103cate nu…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDe ce?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu \u0219tiu\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pe obrajii lui Alice se scurser\u0103 c\u00e2teva lacrimi, care disp\u0103rur\u0103 repede \u00een man\u0219eta puloverului ei.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 B\u0103rbatul \u00ee\u0219i complet\u0103 r\u0103spunsul.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eCred c\u0103 am decis c\u0103 alte lucruri sunt importante. Lucruri precum c\u0103l\u0103toritul. Mereu mi-a pl\u0103cut s\u0103 v\u0103d lumea. S\u0103 v\u0103d lumea de pe mare. Asta mi-a pl\u0103cut enorm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201e\u0218i muzica!\u201d complet\u0103 Alice.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDa. \u0218i muzica!\u201d confirm\u0103 el schimb\u00e2ndu-\u0219i pozi\u021bia m\u00e2inilor \u0219i a\u0219tern\u00e2du-\u0219i degetele pe mas\u0103 ca \u0219i c\u00e2nd s-ar fi preg\u0103tit s\u0103 c\u00e2nte la pian. \u201e\u00cenc\u0103 \u00eemi place muzica. P\u0103cat c\u0103 nu o mai aud at\u00e2t de des.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDe ce?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu po\u021bi s\u0103 c\u00e2n\u021bi muzic\u0103 acolo. Nici instrumentele nu sun\u0103 bine!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eUnde?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 B\u0103rbatul z\u00e2mbi din nou \u0219i deschise ochii.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eAi aflat \u0219i ast\u0103zi ceva despre fiica ta?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDa, am aflat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eBilet? \u0218oapte?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eBilet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201ePot s\u0103-l v\u0103d?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 B\u0103rbatul lu\u0103 biletul din buzunar \u0219i \u00eel \u00eempinse cu degetul p\u00e2n\u0103 l\u00e2ng\u0103 tac\u00e2murile a\u0219ezate \u00eenc\u0103 \u00een ordine \u00een fa\u021ba lui Alice, iar Alice \u00eel lu\u0103, \u00eel citi \u0219i i-l \u00eenapoie. <\/strong>Apoi \u0219opti ceva. B\u0103rbatul o privi \u00eentreb\u0103tor.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNimic. Vorbeam singur\u0103!\u201d r\u0103spunse ea \u0219terg\u00e2ndu-\u0219i din nou obrajii de lacrimi cu m\u00e2neca puloverului.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNici eu nu am mai vrut s\u0103 m\u0103 \u00eentorc.\u201d zise el dup\u0103 un moment lung de t\u0103cere ap\u0103s\u0103toare \u201eNu-mi mai amintesc de ce. \u00cemi amintesc doar c\u0103 am alunecat \u00eentr-un loc cald \u0219i \u00eentunecat, care dup\u0103 o vreme nu a mai fost at\u00e2t de \u00eentunecat \u0219i at\u00e2t de cald. Era greu s\u0103 respiri acolo, iar toat\u0103 apa era s\u0103rat\u0103. Apoi cineva mi-a spus c\u0103 dac\u0103 fac treaba asta o s\u0103 \u0219tiu ce face fiica mea \u0219i o s\u0103 pot s\u0103 m\u0103 \u00eentorc la ea. Cu c\u00e2t \u00eemi fac treaba mai repede, cu at\u00e2t m\u0103 \u00eentorc mai repede! \u0218i vreau s\u0103 m\u0103 \u00eentorc repede. Nu cred c\u0103 am prea mult timp. Vreau s\u0103 o v\u0103d. P\u00e2n\u0103 nu \u00eencepe s\u0103-mi simt\u0103 lipsa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eCare era numele fiicei tale?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201ePoftim?\u201d b\u0103rbatul lu\u0103 sticla goal\u0103 \u0219i o ridic\u0103, f\u0103c\u00e2ndu-i semn osp\u0103tarului s\u0103 aduc\u0103 una plin\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eCum o chema pe fiica ta?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 B\u0103rbatul se g\u00e2ndi, apoi r\u0103spunse.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu-mi amintesc. E\u0219ti gata acum? Simt c\u0103 e\u0219ti gata.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Alice Arseneault d\u0103du peste cap restul de vin din pahar \u0219i \u00eei r\u0103spunse, iar pentru o vreme b\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking nu mai schi\u021b\u0103 niciun gest.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

***<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Femei \u0219i b\u0103rba\u021bi de toate v\u00e2rstele veneau la restaurant. Numele restaurantului putea fi La Tortue Tardive <\/em>sau Romeo\u2019s By The Sea<\/em> sau Due Fratelli<\/em> sau Ronnie\u2019s<\/em>. B\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking c\u0103l\u0103toarea mult \u0219i c\u0103l\u0103torea peste tot. Cu prec\u0103dere \u00een locurile \u00een care oceanul \u00eei atr\u0103gea pe cei suferinzi. Femei \u0219i b\u0103rba\u021bi de toate v\u00e2rstele \u00ee\u0219i beau ultimele pahare de vin, ultimele beri, ultimele cafele, \u00ee\u0219i m\u00e2ncau ultimele por\u021bii de scoici sau paste \u00eennegrite cu cerneal\u0103 de sepie sc\u0103ldate \u00een sos ro\u0219u \u0219i fructe de mare. B\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking negru \u00eei a\u0219teptea mereu de cealalt\u0103 parte a mesei. Discuta cu ei despre orice i-ar fi f\u0103cut s\u0103 se simt\u0103 mai bine. Unii pl\u00e2ngeau pe toat\u0103 durata conversa\u021biei. Al\u021bii erau senini \u0219i \u00eemp\u0103ca\u021bi cu ei. Al\u021bii \u00eei cereau s\u0103 \u00eei ajute s\u0103 se r\u0103zg\u00e2ndeasc\u0103. Unii chiar \u00eencercau s\u0103 \u00eel conving\u0103 c\u0103 nu o s-o fac\u0103. Apoi b\u0103rbatul \u00eei conducea pe to\u021bi \u00een ocean. Unii \u00eel rugau s\u0103 \u00eei \u021bin\u0103 de m\u00e2na. Al\u021bii insistau c\u0103 se vor descurca singuri. Traversau \u00eempreun\u0103 plaja sau faleza sau bucata de p\u0103m\u00e2nt care se \u00eent\u00e2lnea cu apa \u0219i de acolo totul se \u00eent\u00e2mpla repede \u0219i n\u0103ucitor, ca \u00eentr-un vis. B\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking le spunea c\u0103 ajut\u0103 s\u0103 priveasc\u0103 linia orizontului. \u0218i f\u0103ceau cu to\u021bii ce le spunea el, p\u00e2n\u0103 c\u00e2nd apa devenea prea ad\u00e2nc\u0103. P\u00e2n\u0103 c\u00e2nd linia orizontului disp\u0103rea. Atunci \u00eencercau s\u0103 \u00eenoate la suprafa\u021b\u0103, dar doar pentru o frac\u021biune de secund\u0103. B\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking \u00eei ajuta pe to\u021bi s\u0103 se scufunde, iar apa s\u0103rat\u0103 le intra \u00een haine \u0219i \u00een piele, inund\u00e2ndu-le buzunarele, urechile, gurile, dezactiv\u00e2ndu-le telefoanele, care, din c\u00e2nd \u00een c\u00e2nd, sunau chiar \u00een momentul acela. Nimeni nu avea s\u0103 mai r\u0103spund\u0103 la ele. Niciodat\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 B\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking f\u0103cea asta de mult\u0103 vreme, dar nu dintotdeauna.<\/p>\n

\n

***<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Femeia din fa\u021ba lui nu era Alice Arseneault. I-o spusese chiar ea, iar b\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking avu nevoie de c\u00e2teva momente ca s\u0103 se simt\u0103 convins. Apoi se sim\u021bi p\u0103c\u0103lit. Sau mai degrab\u0103 \u00een\u0219elat. Da, \u00een\u0219elat era cuv\u00e2ntul pe care \u00eel c\u0103uta. Termin\u0103 de b\u0103ut sticla cu num\u0103rul zece \u0219i o l\u0103s\u0103 pe mas\u0103, c\u00e2t timp femeia aceea stranie continua s\u0103 \u00eel fixeze cu privirea.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201e\u00cemi cer scuze c\u0103 v-am irosit timpul!\u201d \u00eei zise el pe un ton oficial \u0219i rece apoi vru s\u0103 se ridice, dar femeia \u00eel apuc\u0103 de bra\u021b \u0219i \u00eel \u00eempinse la loc \u00een scaun.<\/p>\n

\u00cei vorbi, chiar dac\u0103 era convins\u0103 c\u0103 el nu mai avea r\u0103bdare s\u0103 o asculte.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu sunt Alice Aresnault, dar o cunosc pe Alice Arseneault!\u201d repet\u0103 ea fix\u00e2ndu-\u0219i coatele pe mas\u0103 \u0219i aplec\u00e2ndu-se spre el \u201eNumele meu e Marie. Marie Ducas! \u00ce\u021bi spune ceva numele \u0103sta?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 B\u0103rbatul o privi absent.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eO \u0219tiu doar pe domni\u0219oara Arseneault. A ratat \u00eent\u00e2lnirea noastr\u0103. Nu e nimic. Se mai \u00eent\u00e2mpl\u0103. Probabil va veni \u00een alt\u0103 zi!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eAlice nu o s\u0103 vin\u0103 s\u0103 v\u0103 vede\u021bi! Niciodat\u0103! Am g\u0103sit-o \u0219i am convins-o c\u0103 merit\u0103 s\u0103 tr\u0103iasc\u0103. Chiar dac\u0103 s-a \u00eent\u00e2mplat ce s-a \u00eent\u00e2mplat cu fiica ei!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDoare s\u0103 pierzi un copil\u2026\u201d concluzion\u0103 el privind \u00een alt\u0103 parte.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eHabar nu ai!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDac\u0103 ai convins-o \u0219i chiar nu o s-o \u00eent\u00e2lnesc niciodat\u0103, atunci e\u0219ti mai bun\u0103 la treaba asta dec\u00e2t sunt eu!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eSunt mai bun\u0103 dec\u00e2t tine la o mul\u021bime de lucruri!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Femeia care nu era Alice Arseneault, ci Marie Ducas, ridic\u0103 vocea \u0219i \u00ee\u0219i \u00eencle\u0219t\u0103 pumnii. Privirea ei era electric\u0103, iar c\u00e2nd se intersect\u0103 din nou cu cea a b\u0103rbatului, Marie observ\u0103 c\u0103 nu era nimic \u00een ochii lui care s\u0103 \u00eei dea de \u00een\u021beles c\u0103 toate lucrurile acelea \u00eensemnau ceva pentru el. Cu at\u00e2t mai pu\u021bin numele ei. De c\u00e2nd se a\u0219ezase la mas\u0103 \u00eencercase s\u0103 \u00ee\u0219i dea seama unde mai v\u0103zuse privirea aceea absent\u0103. La pe\u0219ti. O v\u0103zuse la pe\u0219ti.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201e\u00cemi cer din nou scuze pentru \u00eencurc\u0103tur\u0103!\u201d repet\u0103 b\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking, apoi se ridic\u0103 \u0219i \u00eencepu s\u0103 fluiere, mearg\u00e2nd lini\u0219tit c\u0103tre teras\u0103, cu m\u00e2inile \u00een buzunare.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Marie izbucni \u00een lacrimi \u0219i r\u0103mase acolo, \u0219terg\u00e2ndu-\u0219i nasul \u0219i \u00eencerc\u00e2nd s\u0103 \u00ee\u0219i controleze avalan\u0219a de emo\u021bii. \u00cen cele din urm\u0103 renun\u021b\u0103 \u0219i s\u0103ri de pe scaun \u0219i alerg\u0103 pe teras\u0103. Nu era nimeni acolo. V\u00e2ntul era prea puternic pentru un pr\u00e2nz lini\u0219tit afar\u0103. Cu toate astea v\u00e2ntul era numai bun pentru ridicat zmee. Feti\u021ba, care intrase mai devreme \u00een restaurant cu tat\u0103l ei, dirija sforile f\u0103pturii \u00eenaripate din plastic \u0219i aluminiu, din v\u00e2rful unei dune de nisip. Marie cobor\u00ee \u00een fug\u0103 treptele din sc\u00e2ndur\u0103 \u0219i \u00eel ajunse pe b\u0103rbat din urm\u0103, chiar acolo unde valurile mu\u0219cau din \u021b\u0103rm c\u00e2t era ziua de lung\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eAlice \u0219i-a pierdut fiica!\u201d strig\u0103 Marie prinz\u00e2ndu-l pe b\u0103rbat de um\u0103r \u0219i brusc\u00e2ndu-l, \u00eentorc\u00e2ndu-l cu fa\u021ba c\u0103tre ea \u201e\u0218i eu mi-am pierdut fiica. Mi-am pierdut-o chiar aici. A venit pe la pr\u00e2nz \u0219i a b\u0103ut un pahar de vin, apoi a intrat \u00een ocean \u0219i nu a mai ie\u0219it niciodat\u0103!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201e\u00cemi pare r\u0103u s\u0103 aud asta!\u201d \u00eei r\u0103spunse b\u0103rbatul, apoi se \u00eentoarse \u0219i p\u0103\u0219i \u00een ap\u0103. Marie \u00eel urm\u0103ri p\u00e2n\u0103 c\u00e2nd apa le ajunse am\u00e2ndurora la br\u00e2u, iar valurile \u00eei f\u0103ceau \u00eenaintarea tot mai anevoioas\u0103. \u00cel apuc\u0103 din nou de um\u0103r \u0219i de data asta b\u0103rbatul nu se mai opri. Marie \u00eel urm\u0103ri oricum.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eMi-am pierdut fiica!\u201d \u021bip\u0103 ea din nou \u201e\u0218i mi-am pierdut \u0219i tat\u0103l! Vrei s\u0103 \u0219tii cum a murit? Era pianist pe un vas de croazier\u0103 \u0219i a s\u0103rit peste bord \u00eentr-o noapte! Ne-a l\u0103sat singure pe mine \u0219i pe mama doar pentru c\u0103 i-a fr\u00e2nt inima o femeie c\u0103reia nici m\u0103car n-o s\u0103-i \u0219tiu vreodat\u0103 numele! M-a l\u0103sat \u0219i apoi mi-a luat \u0219i fiica! Ai senza\u021bia c\u0103 cineva \u00ee\u021bi spune ceva despre mine? Nu \u00ee\u021bi spune nimeni nimic. Am \u00eenv\u0103\u021bat s\u0103 merg pe biciclet\u0103 cu at\u00e2t de mult timp \u00een urm\u0103 c\u0103 am avut timp \u0219i s\u0103 uit! \u021ai-a zis despre nun\u021bile mele? Despre toate patru? \u021ai-a spus de ce nu am un s\u00e2n? De ce nu pot s\u0103 m\u0103 ata\u0219ez de oameni normali? De ce am co\u0219amururi noaptea? \u021ai-a spus c\u00e2t de dor \u00eemi e de fiica mea?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0B\u0103rbatul nu d\u0103du semne c\u0103 ar fi inten\u021bionat s\u0103 se opreasc\u0103 \u0219i s\u0103 o asculte, iar atunci Marie \u00eel prinse de p\u0103r \u0219i \u00eel trase spre ea ridic\u00e2ndu-se pe v\u00e2rfuri. Valurile cre\u0219teau \u0219i acum apa le trecea de piept. <\/strong>\u00cen cur\u00e2nd Marie fu nevoit\u0103 s\u0103 \u00ee\u0219i \u00eencline capul pe spate pentru a nu \u00eenghi\u021bi ap\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eTat\u0103, opre\u0219te-te!\u201d strig\u0103 ea, iar \u021bip\u0103tul ei r\u0103sun\u0103 ca un sc\u00e2ncet de copil.<\/p>\n

B\u0103rbatul \u00een smoking se \u00eentoarse pentru ultima dat\u0103, o privi la fel de absent ca p\u00e2n\u0103 atunci, apoi disp\u0103ru cu totul sub ap\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Valurile erau tot mai greu de \u00eenfurntat, iar Marie \u00eencerc\u0103 s\u0103 g\u0103seasc\u0103 fundul apei cu v\u00e2rfurile picioarelor dar nu era nimic acolo. Puloverul \u0219i pantalonii \u0219i cizmele i se \u00eembibaser\u0103 cu ap\u0103 \u0219i o tr\u0103geau \u00een jos. Cu c\u00e2t \u00eencerca s\u0103 se men\u021bin\u0103 la suprafa\u021b\u0103 mai mult, cu at\u00e2t se sim\u021bea mai grea. Cu un ultim efort mai strig\u0103 ceva, apoi un val \u00eei ridic\u0103 apa peste cap \u0219i o ap\u0103s\u0103 \u00een jos cu o for\u021b\u0103 c\u0103reia Marie nu putu s\u0103 \u00eei fac\u0103 fa\u021b\u0103. Se scufund\u0103 ca o ancor\u0103, continu\u00e2nd s\u0103 priveasc\u0103 la silueta b\u0103rbatului \u00een smoking p\u00e2n\u0103 c\u00e2nd aceasta nu fu dec\u00e2t o pat\u0103 \u00eentunecat\u0103, apoi nimic.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0I se p\u0103ru obositor s\u0103 se mai lupte a\u0219a c\u0103 \u00ee\u0219i l\u0103s\u0103 bra\u021bele \u0219i picioarele moi \u0219i pur \u0219i simplu se scufund\u0103. C\u00e2nd sim\u021bi c\u0103 totul era pe cale s\u0103 se termine, \u00eencepu s\u0103 fredoneze c\u00e2ntecul pe care tat\u0103l ei o \u00eenv\u0103\u021base s\u0103-l c\u00e2nte la pian \u2013 primul \u0219i ultimul. Irving Gordon \u00eel compusese cu c\u00e2teva decenii \u00eenainte, iar Uncomparable <\/em>fusese titlul original, dar apoi compania de inregistr\u0103ri a decis c\u0103 un altul ar fi mai potrivit. C\u00e2ntecul a devenit faimos \u00een 1952, pe albumul lui Nat King Cole cu acela\u0219i nume: Unforgettable. <\/em>\u00cencepuse s\u0103 \u00eel fredoneze la mas\u0103, \u00een \u0219oapt\u0103, sper\u00e2nd c\u0103 b\u0103rbatul ar fi recunoscut-o. Apoi b\u0103rbatul \u00eencepu s\u0103-l fredoneze, fluier\u00e2nd, chiar c\u00e2nd ie\u0219ea din restaurant. Sper\u0103, pentru o clip\u0103, c\u0103 tat\u0103l ei ar fi auzit-o \u0219i s-ar fi \u00eentors. Sim\u021bi fundul apei cu picioarele \u0219i atunci ridic\u0103 m\u00e2inile, dar nu ajunse cu ele la suprafa\u021b\u0103. Era \u00eentr-un loc ad\u00e2nc. Dar Marie Ducas fusese \u00een locuri mai ad\u00e2nci \u0219i mai \u00eentunecate de at\u00e2t. \u00ce\u0219i \u00eendrept\u0103 tot corpul ca \u0219i c\u00e2nd tocmai s-ar fi ridicat din pat \u0219i \u0219i-ar fi dezmor\u021bit articula\u021biile, apoi, \u00eentr-o frac\u021biune de secund\u0103 se ghemui \u0219i \u00ee\u0219i apuc\u0103 pe r\u00e2nd cizmele \u0219i sc\u0103p\u0103 de ele. Apoi \u00ee\u0219i d\u0103du jos pantalonii, picioarele alunec\u00e2ndu-i afar\u0103 din ei ca ni\u0219te \u021bipari dintr-un ascunzi\u0219 subacvatic. Apoi sc\u0103p\u0103 de pulover. Apoi \u00eenot\u0103 la suprafa\u021b\u0103. Aerul proasp\u0103t \u00eei umplu pl\u0103m\u00e2nii \u0219i aproape o f\u0103cu s\u0103 ame\u021beasc\u0103. Un alt val o b\u0103g\u0103 \u00eenapoi sub ap\u0103, dar de data asta ie\u0219i repede la suprafa\u021b\u0103 \u0219i \u00eencepu s\u0103 \u00eenoate. Cu fiecare palm\u0103 de ap\u0103 pe care o \u00eempingea \u00een spate spera ca tat\u0103l ei s\u0103 se \u00eentoarc\u0103 \u0219i s\u0103 o ajute.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ajunse la \u021b\u0103rm singur\u0103 \u0219i se pr\u0103bu\u0219i pe nisip. Vru s\u0103 pl\u00e2ng\u0103, dar pentru prima dat\u0103 se sim\u021bea ca \u0219i c\u00e2nd nu existau destule motive pe lume pentru lacrimile ei.<\/p>\n

Se \u00eentoarse cu fa\u021ba \u00een sus \u0219i privi cerul \u00eennorat.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>\u201eSalut!\u201d strig\u0103 feti\u021ba apropiindu-se de ea, \u021bin\u00e2ndu-\u0219i zmeul la subsuoar\u0103, cu firul de plastic \u00eenf\u0103\u0219urat \u00een jurul lui.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eSalutare!\u201d \u00eei r\u0103spunse Marie ridic\u00e2ndu-se, sprijinindu-se \u00eentr-un cot \u0219i d\u00e2ndu-\u0219i p\u0103rul \u00eenc\u00e2lcit \u0219i ud de pe fa\u021b\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eTata zice c\u0103 apa e prea rece \u00een perioada asta ca s\u0103 \u00eenot!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eTat\u0103l t\u0103u \u0219tie ce spune!\u201d aprob\u0103 Marie \u00eenfrigurat\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eUnde \u00ee\u021bi sunt hainele?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201e\u00cen ap\u0103!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDe ce sunt \u00een ap\u0103?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu vrei s\u0103 \u0219tii!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eVine tata!\u201d remarc\u0103 feti\u021ba ar\u0103t\u00e2nd cu degetul spre restaurant, iar Marie \u00ee\u0219i r\u0103suci g\u00e2tul \u00een direc\u021bia aceea \u0219i v\u0103zu c\u0103 b\u0103rbatul \u00een c\u0103ma\u0219\u0103 bleumarin \u0219i p\u0103l\u0103rie alb\u0103 se \u00eendrepta spre ele, \u00eenso\u021bit de unul dintre osp\u0103tari \u0219i o femeie.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eOr s\u0103-\u021bi dea ei haine!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eM\u0103 \u00eendoiesc!\u201d zise Marie ridic\u00e2ndu-se \u00een picioare. \u201eAdul\u021bii nu dau haine gratis!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eProbabil ai dreptate!\u201d zise feti\u021ba uit\u00e2ndu-se de jos la Marie \u201eDar b\u0103rbatul care era cu tine unde-i?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201e\u00cenoat\u0103 \u00eenc\u0103!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Feti\u021ba analiz\u0103 suprafa\u021ba apei \u0219i nu p\u0103ru convins\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu \u00eel v\u0103d!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eCrede-m\u0103, e acolo undeva\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201e\u0218i nu \u00eei e frig?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Marie se g\u00e2ndi la un r\u0103spuns bun, iar \u00een cele din urm\u0103 alese unul. Din nou, feti\u021ba nu p\u0103ru convins\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eNu exist\u0103 sirene. Sunt doar pove\u0219ti!\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

***<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00cen seara aceea Marie o sun\u0103 pe Alice Arseneault. Vorbir\u0103 din nou despre cum se sim\u021beau. Despre fiicele lor. Despre faptul c\u0103 erau furioase. Despre faptul c\u0103 nu crezuser\u0103 nici m\u0103car pentru o clip\u0103 c\u0103 depresia ucide precum cancerul sau hipotermia. Despre cum tr\u0103ir\u0103 cu impresia c\u0103 mereu vor avea mai mult timp s\u0103 \u00eendrepte lucrurile. Alice \u00eencepu s\u0103 pl\u00e2ng\u0103 prima, iar Marie o ascult\u0103 p\u00e2n\u0103 c\u00e2nd se calm\u0103, apoi o invit\u0103 s\u0103-\u0219i petreac\u0103 un weekend \u00eempreun\u0103.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201ePeste dou\u0103 s\u0103pt\u0103m\u00e2ni. Ce zici?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Alice accept\u0103 dintr-o suflare.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201eDa, mi-ar prinde bine ni\u0219te soare. Poate chiar ni\u0219te plaj\u0103 cum trebuie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dup\u0103 ce \u00ee\u0219i luar\u0103 la revedere, Marie Ducas \u0219i Alice Areseneaul \u00ee\u0219i mutar\u0103 set\u0103rile telefoanelor pe silen\u021bios – am\u00e2ndou\u0103 aveau un somn fragil – apoi se duser\u0103 la culcare \u00een paturi matrimoniale \u00een care \u00ee\u0219i petreceau nop\u021bile singure.<\/p>\n

Marie nu putu s\u0103 adoarm\u0103. Dup\u0103 ce b\u0103tu \u0219i \u00eempinse pilota \u0219i pernele cu m\u00e2inile \u0219i spatele \u0219i picioarele, vreme de c\u00e2teva ore, \u00eentr-un final s\u0103ri din pat, se \u00eembr\u0103c\u0103 repede, lu\u0103 cheile, apoi se urc\u0103 \u00een ma\u0219in\u0103.<\/p>\n

Conduse o vreme de-a lungul coastei p\u00e2n\u0103 c\u00e2nd g\u0103si o bucat\u0103 de plaj\u0103 pe care putea intra cu ma\u0219ina. Parc\u0103 pe c\u00e2t de aproape de ap\u0103 putu, apoi ie\u0219i \u0219i \u00eenconjur\u0103 ma\u0219ina deschiz\u00e2nd toate portierele. Dup\u0103 ce f\u0103cu asta \u00ee\u0219i conect\u0103 telefonul la sistemul audio al ma\u0219inii. Select\u0103 din playlist Unforgettable<\/em> de Nat king Kole \u0219i d\u0103du volumul la maximum.<\/p>\n

Muzica se izbi de vuietul asurzitor al valurilor, dar reu\u0219i s\u0103 treac\u0103 de el. Undeva, \u00een \u00eentuneric, pielea b\u0103rbatului era verzuie \u0219i \u00eembibat\u0103 cu ap\u0103, iar smokingul lui era plin de alge \u0219i pe\u0219ti mici care \u00eennoptau acolo. Asta \u00eei d\u0103dea uneori o stare de disconfort, dar nu \u0219i atunci. Ascult\u0103 p\u00e2n\u0103 la cap\u0103t, iar c\u00e2nd telefonul lui Marie repet\u0103 piesa, b\u0103rbatul o ascult\u0103 din nou.<\/p>\n

Marie Ducas parc\u0103 acolo \u00een aproape fiecare noapte, deschiz\u00e2nd toate portierele \u0219i pun\u00e2nd aceea\u0219i pies\u0103 la aproape nesf\u00e2r\u0219it. F\u0103cu asta pentru mult\u0103 vreme. Dar nu pentru totdeauna.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0[text premiat la Blecher Fest 2018] de Norbert Matei B\u0103rbatul purta un smoking negru \u0219i pantofi l\u0103cui\u021bi. St\u0103tea \u00eentins pe o parte, cu ochii \u00eenchi\u0219i \u0219i obrazul \u0219i um\u0103rul drept \u00eengropate \u00een nisip \u0219i ap\u0103 s\u0103rat\u0103, acolo unde valurile sp\u0103lau \u021b\u0103rmul c\u00e2t era ziua de lung\u0103. Apa venea \u0219i \u00eel acoperea p\u00e2n\u0103 la br\u00e2u, apoi […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1322,15],"tags":[1334,1324,1337,707,1115],"class_list":["post-12240","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-egophobia-54","category-proza","tag-blecher-fest-2018","tag-egophobia-54","tag-norbert-matei","tag-premiul-egophobia","tag-proza"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6DakB-3bq","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12240","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12240"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12240\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12241,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12240\/revisions\/12241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12240"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12240"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12240"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}