The Solitary Life of an Elderly Bachelor: Content in His Own Company
João was a bachelor well into his later years. He moved through his days without hurry, and loneliness never bothered him. He toiled like a pack animal, yet loved the work. He was fastidiouseverything had to be just right, each object in its proper place. He had met many women, but none ever seemed suitable. In late July of that year he decided to take a break and head south. Tired of routine, he wanted to slip away from civilization for a while. He went online and posted an ad.
A woman with two kids from a small Algarve village answered. The beach was a twentyminute walk away, but the house lay far from resorts and towns. There was a private bedroom, and in exchange for food he would bring, they offered homemade meals. He was persuaded. The journey went smoothly; the GPS held. The house was old but tidy, the room snug, and the owner, Isabel, pleasant. A tiny pinscher ran in the yard. In the garden fruit ripened while the two childrena boy and a girl of about nine or tenhelped with chores. Isabel never fussed; she simply asked what he wanted for dinner, filled his plate with strawberries, and smiled sweetly.
João spent his days on the beach, swimming, climbing rocks, snapping photos, and chatting with an old friend on Facebook. Occasionally he wondered how a fiftyyearold woman could have such young children. At last he asked,
Isabel, are these your grandchildren?
No she replied theyre my children, just lateborn. I never married, but I wanted kids. Im not that old; Im fortyeight.
While they talked, João watched her more closely. She was friendly, laughed easily, and he liked the sound of her nameIsabel, or Isazinha, as his mother used to call her. She smelled of strawberries and fresh butter. The green wine was light, evenings were mild, the sky starfilled. Neither of them beat around the bushthey were adults. By day everything felt ordinary, but at night João would slip quietly to the side of the house where Isabel slept, then return to his room. The kids stayed asleep, the dog never barked, only stared at him with a clever look, as if understanding everything. Good dog, economicalshe ate two spoonfuls and guarded the yard diligently. Her name was Matilde.
Matilde soon began accompanying him to the beach, swimming alongside him, shaking off sand, drying in the sun, and returning home before he did. He followed later. One morning, however, Matilde didnt show up. João searched everywhere, called her name, and posted dozens of notices around the village. Where could the dog be? An older neighbor suggested that strangers renting a house at the far end of the village might have taken her. João went there and arrived just as he heard that they had left an hour earlier with a small dog, heading toward the main road.
He jumped into his car and sped after them, catching up about eighty kilometres ahead and cutting them off. Two young, brazen girls leapt from the jeep.
Hey, move your car! Cant you drive? Well call the police!
Call them João answered but first give the dog back.
Youre lucky the taller one laughed. She was abandoned, were rescuing her.
She isnt abandoned João retorted. She has a family. She isnt yours.
Get out of here! the other shouted. If you dont, well smash the windows!
João swerved around them and shouted, Matilde! The dog began barking and sprinting toward the open window. The girls grabbed at him, cursed, and tried to hit him. João froze; he didnt want to strike women.
At that moment a GNR officer arrived, sweaty and weary. Ignoring the girls shrieks, the sergeant seized Matilde.
Quiet! The dog will go to whoever she chooses. None of you have her papers.
Sweetie, come here the girls cooed, pulling out a piece of ham.
Come on, Matilde João said.
The officer set her down. She bolted toward João, wagging her tail and barking cheerfully.
Looks settled the officer panted.
No, shes ours! the girls yelled. You cant take her! Well complain to your superior!
The sergeant reddened.
Either you leave now, or Ill check the insurance, the fire extinguisher, the warning triangle, the firstaid kit, and count every pill. The cars dirty, and Ill see if its stolen. The paperwork is at the station
The jeep sped off.
João shook the officers hand.
Thanks.
No problem. I have a similar pup clever and stubborn. In winter he wears a coat; its chilly. Good breed, loyal, and a handy size. Good luck. Stay out of trouble.
João got back into his car. Matilde curled up on his lap, warm, her fur soft as velvet. He felt a comfort he hadnt known in ages. The road was calm, the engine hummed gently, and Matilde stayed relaxed. Yet amid that peace his heart tightened; soon he would have to leave. No one was waiting for him at home. The thought of simply turning the car around and taking Matilde with him flickered through his mind. What did he have? A few Tshirts, underwear, a tracksuit. The idea lingered. He noted it mentally, sighed, and drove back to Isabels house.
The final week was rainy, but João kept going to the beach, Matilde always at his side. At night she slipped into Isazinhas room, and by morning his sorrow grew heavier. On the day of his departure the sun shone. He packed the night before, left a gift for Isabel, said goodbye, gave her his phone number, and got into the car.
He eased onto the road, aware that the summer fling and the vacation were endingtime to return to routine. Just as he left the dirt track for asphalt, he saw Matilde sprinting after the car. He pressed the accelerator. She ran faster. João floored it.
The dog soon fell behind, disappearing from view. He stopped, got out, lit a cigarette, and felt his hands tremble. He smoked it down, stubbed it out, and stared at the road.
A small dark spot moved across the pavement. João started running, praying no car would run it down. He hadnt run like this in years. Matilde galloped beside him, as if it were her last burst of strength. Dust coated her fur, tongue, eyes, even her tiny ears. Her tail wagged, and she tried to bark, but only sneezed.
João scooped her up, wiped her clean, gave her water from his bottle. He called Isabel and, with a smile, said, Ready for a change of scenery? Me, Matilde, and two little passengers are heading back home.
