Carpe Vitam

Day 4

Early morning, dawn. The old man's lying in his bed, heavy breaths, on the verge of consciousness. Somebody knocks at his door. Like he just gained back some of his strength, he quickly stands up. Too quickly, he has to balance himself by grabbing on to the furniture around him. Deep breath. With a big smile on his face he goes to the door and opens it. It's the local woman from yesterday.

Local woman (smiling): Hi! I hope it's not too early, I have to get to work but I wanted to bring this little something to you first.

She reveals an expensive-looking bottle of wine and some cookies.

Old man: Oh, you didn't have to, darling.

Local woman: No, no. I really enjoyed listening to your stories and wanted to thank you for your hospitality. It's the least I could do.

The old man just smiles at her without being able to say anything.

Local woman: It may be a little unorthodox but if it's okay with you, we could open the bottle right now and have a glass together? I'm not driving today and I want to see your reaction. Make sure I brought something that you like.

Old man (visibly moved): I like everything. Yes, please, come in.

The local woman steps in, the old man points her to the kitchen, she gets two glasses, prepares the cookies on a plate.

Meanwhile, the old man lies back down on the bed. Deep, heavy breaths. He's trying to gently massage the left side of his chest. As it gets more and more difficult to move, he closes his eyes. After what seems like a minute, he opens them. Everything feels so much lighter all of the sudden. A giant silhouette is standing at the side of the bed, towering above him. The old man looks at it. He can't control himself. He begins to cry. Quietly. Tears flow from his face. And yet, with a bittersweet smile on his face, he stands up from the bed. He seems to recognize it. He extends his arms, expecting an embrace, like you would with an old friend. The black-robed figure responds accordingly. It gently wraps its hands around the old man. The old man's cold, but comfortable. It's time.

The local woman gets back from the kitchen, bringing the two glasses and the plate on a large tray. She sees the old man lying on the bed. She puts the tray down on a table, goes to the old man and tries to gently wake him up. He doesn't respond. She gets a bit concerned, sits down on the bed next to him and tries shaking his shoulders. Eventually, she notices that he's not breathing. She gasps and buries her face in her hands.

-

Morning at the hotel. Adam hasn't slept well last night.

Adam: You up?

Kevin (tired voice): Yeah.

Adam: It's unbelievable.

Kevin: Yeah. Life isn't fair.

Adam: But we gotta keep going, right?

Kevin: Hmm.

Silence. Adam's feeling opportunistic. He's on a roll. He can't give in to depression now. He should make sure he doesn't get into his old rhythm, or the lack thereof.

Adam: We should do something. It's been a while since we did something together.

Kevin: I don't know man.

Adam: You don't want to?

Kevin: I feel like staying inside today.

Adam sits up and turns towards Kevin.