“Why not? What’s one more at this point?”
“Tell me how I look.”
“You look like yourself. I rarely saw you wear anything other than a straight-cut blazer, cuffed tweed pants, and freshly shined loafers, just like the ones you’re wearing now.”
“I wasn’t asking for a description. I’m asking, Is it elegant?”
“You’ve always looked elegant, even on the weekends. It impressed me very much when I was a kid.”
“That was the goal,” his father replied proudly. “I’m just asking because, well, if all goes to plan, Camille and I will be together again. And I want to make sure I look my best. It’s hard to keep up with style trends when you’re dead, you know.”
Suddenly, Thomas realized something shocking. His father appeared significantly younger than he had the day he died. He in fact looked like he had in his fifties, like he did in the picture Thomas always carried with him—a photograph of the two of them together, taken on vacation one summer.
“Your hair is a little bit messy, but it adds a nice rebel edge to your look.”
“Did you buy the plane tickets?” his father asked, impatient.
“I bought mine.”
“Of course! No need for the senior citizen discount now! I travel for free. My condition includes a few perks, don’t you think? When do we leave?”
“Tomorrow morning. Now, I’m going to pack and take advantage of my last free day.”
“Don’t forget you have to pick up my urn from your mother’s house.”
“And just how am I supposed to explain why I’m borrowing your ashes?”
“Good question. We need a plan. Do you still have a key to her place?”
Jeanne was surprised to see Thomas again so soon.
“Aren’t you supposed to be playing in Vienna tonight?” she asked as she opened the door.
“No. No more concerts until Saturday, in Warsaw.”
“Vienna, Warsaw—it’s hard to keep track of all your dates and venues. I used to follow it all very closely, but I don’t have the time anymore.”
“I didn’t realize you were so busy,” Thomas said.
“Sweetheart, when you reach a certain age, time becomes unpredictable. It flies when you’re having fun and drags on when you’re bored. Since no one needs me anymore, I decided to simply have as much fun as possible for as long as possible.”
“You know I still need you,” Thomas said, giving her a hug.
“Stop, you’re tickling me,” she said with a laugh. “And you’re going to mess up my hair. I’m going out tonight.”
“Again?”
“And tomorrow too.”
“Are you seeing someone?”
“What do you mean ‘seeing someone’? I see lots of people.”
“Fine, don’t tell me.”
“So, what brings you here?”
“Can’t a son come see his mother without a reason?”
