The Museum of Soulmates

1.

1518, in his workshop, Jioseppe Campi takes advantage of a quiet afternoon to tidy up his equipment and make an inventory of the pigments that he lacks. At about 2 pm, is knocking at the door.

- Hello, Jioseppe.

- Adriano, my friend!

The two men have known each other for a long time. Adriano was one of the first patrons to support Jioseppe Campi. He immediately believed in the talent of this painter, whom the history books will perhaps one day consider a great artist, a genius. Behind Adriano stands his young wife, her eyes reddened by freshly shed tears.

- What's going on, Adriano?

- I must leave for Venice, pressing business awaits me there.

Jioseppe lets his couple of friends into his studio. While the discussion continues, the painter serves his visitors and himself some of his favorite wine.

- Ilaria, are you feeling well?

- My beloved wife unfortunately cannot come with me, the journey is long and, few people know it, but she carries life.

- Wonderful! Congratulations to both of you.

A few exchanges of kisses later, the artist sits down on the last free chair of the small studio.

- And what can I do for you?

- Jioseppe, I always said you were the best artist in this city.

- I don't know if I deserve this title.

- Don't be so modest. I know that you are the most gifted, that's why I would like you to paint a portrait of Ilaria.

- I'd love to.

- She can't come with me, but I still want to admire her every day.

- We will get to work right away.

2002, in Los Angeles, in the most fashionable restaurant of the moment there is not a single table left. The place opened only two months ago, that's why it's still crowded. The owner's concept is exclusively for couples. On the walls, not abstract paintings are hung, but photographs, which represent, for those who believe in them, the auras of the very first customers. Indeed, the innovation of this restaurant is to offer couples to have their picture taken in a special way. On each side of the tables, there are two iron plates. When the artist passes by with his lens, the lovers put their hands on these plates. A weak electric current passes through their bodies, revealing their aura. This is the famous Kirlian effect which is, for scientists, a way to reveal the magnetic field of the human body. For the more esoteric, these are the auras that appear on photographs taken under these conditions.

For their romantic evening, Hillary is wearing a brand-new outfit, a long red dress, her husband's favorite color. The young woman let her long blonde hair run free on her shoulders. Ethan, as well as all the men present this evening, did not have to spend too much time in front of his wardrobe to get dressed. He simply put on his best tuxedo and added a few touches of gel to his hair. Society doesn't get much more demanding than that with the male gender. Ethan thanks heaven every day for sending him his Hillary, the most beautiful, smartest and funniest woman in the world. He wants to spend every second of his life with her. But the choice is not his to make. The earth never stops turning, even for the most romantic love stories.

- I would so much like you to stay.

- Don't say things like that. You know it hurts me. This last dinner doesn't have to be sad. We both know I have no choice. And then you'll come and meet me there. The time will pass quickly, I promise. For now, let's enjoy the present.