Samson - Present

- What the hell, Samson… I wasn’t expecting this… What now?

- I guess we have to call it a tie…

- I didn’t mean our bet, dummy… Of course it’s off… She… She has a boyfriend… I already had plans for Radhi and her and… this… this guy ruined my opportunity of having a baby niece to love within a year time. This is not how I envisioned it…

- Easy, Lulu. You’ll be the crazy aunt one day… - Samson smirks while both watch Radhi hesitantly greet Rena and then the man that comes with her. Disappointment is all over his face and a forced smile can be seen. After a few words, Radhi leaves them and arrives at the counter with a puppy face.

- The woman that would make me a married man wants something sweet and her company wants a glass of white wine… - Samson hands him two drinks, just as Radhi requested, and winks him with one eye - Here you go, champion… - At least he still got his sense of humour. Samson is still thinking about Radhi’s gloom when he recognizes the person setting foot in the party - Hey, Lulu… could you just cover me for a sec? I’m going to greet an old friend of mine that just came in…

Joseph and Samson smile at each other and as soon as they are a few centimetres apart, they clasp their right hand and give a solid hug with the other arm.

…///...

Samson - Past

- Why are you leaving? You know you can stay here as long as you want…

- I consider you as my family, Joseph, and I owe you my new life. I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me but it is time for me to go. You have the right to lead a happy fate without me being a problem in your home.

- You are not…

- I can hear you fight because of me. There should never be suspicion in a couple… Even if I try to prove that I am not a rival, he perceives your concern about me and doesn’t understand it. His eyes are disturbed by jealousy. Even if his mind understands, his heart doesn’t. You’re the only one that still makes sense in all my mess. - Samson puts the last bags in the cart and pats the horse on the back. - Thank you… I promise, I’ll let you know about my whereabouts…

- Godspeed… - Joseph can’t hold his tears while he sees his friend disappear behind the hill leaving a track in the snow.

One month later the first of many letters arrived. They were filled with descriptions of places and people. He told every detail and Joseph appreciated it. This allowed him to travel without changing places. Sometimes Samson visited his brother by heart and remained there for a week, even when Joseph was already living alone. As time went by, their contacts evolved just like technology did. Listening to each other’s voice in their first phone call was exciting and emotional. Their contacts were mental health checking for both, they knew it and valued it.

…///...

Samson - Present

- Thank you for coming, brother. It means a lot to me. - Samson pats on his friend’s shoulder. – You do know that, right?

- Nothing would stop me from coming. – Joseph smiles emotionally back. – Even taking the risk of leaving Anna in charge of the bar… She wants to see you, you should have dinner with…

– Lulu, I want you to meet a very important person in my life… - She looks deep into Joseph’s blue eyes and grabs his hand with her two hands, feeling instead of shaking. He senses her cold finger drawing a circle in his palm. He wanted to remove it but hypnotised by her black eyes, he stays motionless and observes her. Her red lips raise in a mysterious smile.

- You… You are the reason for us to move here…