the essence of life is love

Naamloos deel 6

"Good afternoon, I'm here for the production of 'The Essence of Life is Love.'"

Kaan talks to the gatekeeper, who then directs him through the premises. Driving slowly between ugly, dull buildings that could just as well be used for goods storage, or worse, for nuclear waste, or serve as data centers or a slaughterhouse, Kaan maneuvers the car among people crossing, trailers with clothes or set pieces. Seb and he are wide-eyed, taking in the surroundings. Bo pays no attention, not looking outside or searching for familiar faces from television or film. This is where he used to live for a while, not sleep, but otherwise. It still seems the same, nothing has changed. He doesn't even think about his fame or good times, this is also the place where alcohol was everywhere. All of this became the beginning of his downfall but also the end of his career. Now he is coming back, not to start drinking again. He has decided to show everyone who cares that he is back but now without any desire for any addiction.

The opening door snaps him out of his daydream.

"Are you coming?"

Seb is already next to the car, leaning on his crutches, a smile from ear to ear. He can't contain his happiness. For a moment, he doesn't think about Lara, the pressure she has put on him, the mental stranglehold around his neck. This can also be an escape, not from everyday life but to create a dream world for himself. It seems like a fantasy world where he can lose himself for a while. Like a child in a candy store, he looks around. He is quite tall too, which becomes apparent when standing next to Bo. Before he can say anything, a door opens from the white-colored industrial box in front of the car.

"Bora, come inside."

A young woman approaches him, shakes his hand, and kisses his cheek. Then she looks at the other two standing on either side.

"You must be Sebastiano."

"Correct."

"Maxine. Follow Bo inside."

Bo holds the door open for Seb as they enter.

"Kaan. Good afternoon."

He has reached out his hand to the woman. She is certainly not ugly, her skin is beautiful, even, not much makeup on. Her hair also has a natural color, reddish-blond. Her blue eyes look at him cheerfully.

"How is he doing?"

"Good, good."

"Really? Or are you pulling my leg? You have to be careful, you're not a good actor."

Kaan looks at her for a moment and laughs, joyfully, seductively.

"Thank you, I think it's a compliment."

"Not really, but it seems I can't insult you. How about love? Found something in the meantime?"

"Still the same, too busy with work."

"Bull, I really don't believe that. You must have a nice woman at home."

He looks at her again, now laughing openly.

"With him there? That won't work, he keeps me busy enough. I can't have a woman beside him."

"Is he giving you a hard time?"

"No, not that. He tends to go outside without me knowing." "And Rick? Doesn't he know?"

"Nope. I get all the appointments too. Rick is really a data freak when it comes to sharing information. No, I don't miss anything, I leave that to him."

"Don't you want to come inside and take a look?"

"No, I'll wait here for those two."

"As you wish. Coffee is coming soon. Still black?"

"Please. Will you watch over Seb? I suspect he'll be tired in half an hour. This is his first real long day outside the house." Now Maxine looks at him in surprise. "Did he tell you that?"

"You can see it. The pins and wounds haven't fully healed yet, and he still pulls his hip up a bit awkwardly to prevent his foot from touching the ground. It's an extra effort he's not used to."

"If you say so. I'll keep an eye on him. A physiotherapist will be coming soon to accompany Bo, he has to do various exercises with Seb for his role."

"That's good. Make sure he checks on Seb too."

She's already at the door, nodding affirmatively. Then she's gone, leaving Kaan with the car. When the door closes, he gets in and turns the car so that its back faces the building. When they get in later, they can drive away immediately. It's an automatism he has retained from his military service. Now he waits, takes out his mobile phone.

"Yes, it's me. He's inside. I believe it's going well, and he seems to enjoy walking around among people without me for a while."

"Don't you think he'll relapse?"

"Not today. Maybe later when the tension wears off."

"How is the other guy doing?"

"Good, he's a cheerful guy. Bo is keeping an eye on him."

"Because he walks with crutches."

"Yes, indeed. Also because he thinks he can show off something to Seb."

"Be careful, there might be two guys we have to watch out for later." "It'll be fine. Have you found out more about him?"

"I'm still working on it, I'll know more tonight. It'll be fine." "Of course. See you later, greetings."

"See you."