16th December 2019
9:23 a.m.
Benny was still sleeping. He was alone in the house since Mona had gone out to take his birthday cake and some pastries too. Suddenly, a phone call woke him. The shutters were still closed – Mona didn't open them, she wanted Benny to sleep as much as he needed.
He took his glasses on the stand and when he read the name on the screen he smiled.
"Good morning" Benny said with his deep voice, which became deeper in the morning.
"Happy birthday! Benny you need to take something for your throat" Frida replied.
"There's no problem with my throat" – he said grinning – "that's just my voice in the morning. Did you forget?" he added then becoming a little more serious.
"How are you spending this day?" Frida asked with her gentle voice.
"By 10 I need to be at the office and tonight Peter, Heléne and Ludvig are coming with their families to have a big birthday party" he answered yawning.
"Did I wake you?"
"Yes, but don't worry. It was nice to hear your voice this morning" he replied smiling. "You know, you've always organized the best parties for my birthday but the one organized by our kids will always have a special place in my heart"
"Absolutely. And all the mess they did in the house to prepare all the decorations" Frida replied. You couldn't hear it from her voice because it was firm but a single tear escaped from her eye.
"I still remember Lotta's first present to me: a wonderful draw she did just for me. I still keep it in my wallet" he replied and his voice became a little shacky.
"No pint with Björn today? It's a tradition" Frida asked changing the topic quickly. She knew she couldn't talk much about her beloved daughter without breaking down crying.
"Yes. At the same hour every year" Benny replied smiling. She still remembered the smallest details. "And you, Princess Lyngstad what are you doing today?"
"Nothing actually. I will stay home, sip some wine, read a book. Just a lazy Monday" she answered grinning.
"It sounds like our Sundays when we weren't touring" Benny replied with a hint of nostalgia.
"My favorite Sundays" she said smiling.
"Are you coming here for New Year's Eve?" Benny asked. He hoped her answer would be yes.
"No. Hans and the girls are coming here to Switzerland. We're all going to Zermatt" Frida answered.
"Great!" Benny said faking happiness but deep down he felt himself dying.
"Listen... today when you go to your office, goes to Görel's office first. She might have something for you from me" Frida finally said.
"Such as?" Benny asked. He was all intrigued now and sat against the headboard.
"I can't spoil it or it won't be a surprise anymore" she grinned. "I have to go now. Happy birthday dear Benny"
"Thank you, Frid" Benny said. He closed the call and then kept his iPhone close to his heart. For a moment he closed his eyes hoping that when he opened them again it was 1979.
When he went to Mono Music in the morning, the first thing he did was going to Görel's office. He asked the present and then went straight to his office. He read the little card Frida wrote, unwrapped the gift and found a DVD. He put it in the computer and all the memories came on his mind.
Hans helped Frida to do it. He managed to put 12 years of their family life in a DVD with photos and videos. This was becoming his best birthday after a while.
