The late evening sun was setting behind the vineyards of Rutherglen
Estates when a red, 2015 Camry drove off the Mediterranean-inspired courtyard
of Tuileries Restaurant. Against the
final glow of the western sky and the elegantly lit, maroon window awnings on
the facade of the historic cellar door, he was left alone, standing on that vacant parking space.
IT WAS A DRY, 34-degree day in north east Victoria so Rogelio had decided
to be in his most presentable army-green cargo shorts and white collared shirt
adorned with a tiny, green crocodile insignia. A couple of hours earlier he was excitedly getting
dressed to catch up with a friend—who, for him, was very special. He, unfortunately, didn’t get the chance to
at least say ‘hi’ when he spotted her in Adelaide a week ago, but their job and
fate had luckily brought them together in this picturesque wine village this
week.
Amidst the uncomfortable summer evening temperature, Rogelio believed
that tonight, luck was on his side. He was
hoping that this meeting would be the perfect moment for him to finally confess
his feelings for her that, for so long, had been suppressed!
BUT AS THE streetlamps on Rutherglen’s Main St. came to life, the truth
was gradually sinking into his brain—the stars in the universe weren’t aligned
for him tonight… He found himself walking along the concrete footpath that was
obviously leading to the town centre, yet for him he’s clearly heading towards
an unknown direction.
His dear friend was leaving the country!
She’s moving overseas with a guy who recently got promoted in a
multinational company he’s working for.
Rogelio’s heart had been bleeding since his friend told him at the
restaurant about this decision—a big move that’s truly life changing not only
for her, but for him, as well! Earlier across
the table, he’d managed to fake a smile and had sincerely wished her good luck
as they bade farewell to each other before she eventually drove off the courtyard.
By the hilly street, lined with well-maintained buildings of the Victorian
Era, he wanted to scream his heart out!
Then a heavy, forest-green wooden door beside him swung open; a few tipsy
tradesmen walked off. He heard billiard
balls hitting off the pool table, beer schooners clinking, and a hint of something like a
tobacco smoke with a gluey aroma of spilt beer on the carpet wafted through the
doorway.
.
