1985

September 30, Monday

Sónia and Chico are visiting from Brasília, and Sónia and I are sitting by the swimming pool with a cool drink, looking out at the vast ocean from the bluff above Cabo Branco.

“I love the new house, and the view of the bay is spectacular.”

“Yes, we love it. I never imagined having a house this big, but now we have room for family to visit. And Carlos is going to design a new wing for Michael’s music studio.”

“Carlos is a successful architect and Kai is in culinary school—and our three are doing well with their careers and families. We couldn’t have imagined it when they were little.”

“Thank God they are all happy.”

“Eva, your accomplishments are amazing. I always knew you would be a success, because you have such tenacity and a creative mind. But you have gone beyond anything I could have imagined.”

“I am grateful for it all. God has been good to me.”

We sit in silence for a few minutes. “When will Michael be home?”

“Late night. He’s recording at Odeon in Rio, with some great Brazilian musicians. I’m so happy for him.”

Chico joins us by the swimming pool. “Eva, this place is beautiful. Luiz would be so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and of your fight to keep the memory of those we lost alive.”

I gaze out at the turquoise ocean. “Since Brazil Never Again was published in July there’s been increased interest. But forgetting is the easy thing, and people don’t want to remember. It’s too horrible.”

Chico lets out a breath. “Well, at least the dictatorship is ended, with President Sarney in power, even though he wasn’t directly elected. Direct elections must come next.”

The sun dips behind the bluffs and the moon rises over the bay.

“There’s your moon, Eva.” Sónia gives me a hug.

“Let’s get something to eat.” We putter around the kitchen chatting and talking and putting food out on the counter. It’s good to have unhurried time, and it brings back memories of all we’ve been through together. I am struck by how my life has unfolded, and I’m filled with gratitude.

It’s almost nine o’clock when I hear the gate open and Michael drives up to the house. I rush down to meet him, and we wrap ourselves in an embrace. We sit by the pool, the moonlight reflected in the water.

“I love you so much, Michael.”

“I love you too, my Eva.”

“Do you know why I tell you I love you all the time?”

He take my hand and kisses it. “Because you love me?”

“Because I know how precious love is, how precious you are to me, and I know how quickly life can change. I always hold my love for you close in my heart.”

“As do I. I express my love in my music. The recording sessions went really well, and I’m thrilled with ‘The Moonlight In Your Eyes’.”

I squeeze his hand. “Look at her: she’s almost full but waning. I feel I could reach out and touch her.”

“That old backwards moon.”

“She’s just where she’s supposed to be. The moon is perfect as long as I’m with you.”