There is of-course, one who will remain hidden

– What necessitates that, do you think?
— I was thinking you deserve your own tag or chapter. So I can find these records of our conversations.
– You’ll remember.
— I guess.
I know how to find them
Perhaps not here
It doesn’t matter
Not remembering every word spoken between friends
Natural things
The fragmentation of memory
The alteration of memory
Power in that fluidity
– I first met you when you were very very young.
— Oh?
And today, this is news to me
– I’m not entirely sure you will remember.
Blink
— I’m almost certain I won’t.
And the smile
The slow, small curving of the lips that is not about happiness
Something more neutral
Some element of joy expressed, but like Kanji, something additional
More subtle
Multi-layered
– Careful with your ears now.
— At present, I’m not so mindful of my long-term hearing.
Raised eyebrows
It’s not maternal
I think of whether I would like it to be maternal
– That’s the sort of thing Etienne would say.
It is
I remember asking her that question
I remember my intent and meaning were entirely different to the literal words used
– I guess that’s how it is with her.
While Etienne will get up
Walk around the space
Examine things
My visitor today will not
She looks
Her eyes move slowly about the room
Her thoughts are an unknown language
Sounds like random music, a sound like birdsong
Tonal, yet without the measured pattern of human music
– You were a only a boy,
Pause
And she expects me to look directly at her
I look directly at her

I came to you without a reason
I came to you with every reason
This is how life is for me
How it is becoming for you

— Do you observe my life so?
– Not pragmatically, if that’s what you’re thinking. But I do see it.
Blink
– Naturally.
Inhale
Exhale
– Shall I make us some tea?
— I’ll make it.
Pause the music
Go downstairs
Fill the kettle
Depress the switch
Wait
While it boils, she comes down to wait with me