Longing
Chicago
All the stars may shine bright
All the clouds may be white
But when you smile…
- Mum!
- Hi. We’re back.
- Mum, who gave you a lift? Kovac?
- Yes. So what? It was very nice of him. Have you done any of your homework yet, or you’ve spent time staring out of the window?
He ignored the question.
- Mum, you like him, don’t you?
- What? Ivan, stop it. It’s not funny. I’m an old wreck with two nasty goblins sitting on my back… I’m done with men.
- Oh, yes. Then why are you grinning like that?
- I said stop it! I’m tired, I was happy to be taken home. And I liked his car. That’s it.
- Mum,
- Yes.
- When I’ll be playing for NHL I’ll buy you a Cherokee if you want.
- I would. Thank you, son.
He was silent for a minute or two, writing something in his notebook.
- Ma.
- What?
- What color do you want?
- Black. With tinted windows.
- Like Dr Kovac’s?
- Exactly.
- And the inside?
- Pardon?
- The seats and stuff. Velvet, leather?
She thought for a moment.
- Leather please. Dark claret colored leather.
- Ok. You’ll have it.
She laughed, got up and stroked his hair.
- Get off! – he said immediately, shaking her hand off his head. Well, she didn’t expect anything else.
- Good night, son.
- Yeah, you too.
Standing in the doorway she looked back. He raised his head, silent question in his eyes. She shook her head. Nothing. Oleg, Oleshka, wherever you are, look at your son. See how he raises his left eyebrow, just like you did…