Chapter Text
It had been 5 years since Oliver left. The first summer I came back to Crema knowing he wouldn’t be here, was the worst summer of my life. I felt like he was gonna appear everywhere, but, obviously, he never did.
I was so mad at him, because he broke all contact with me, which I could understand. And truth be told, I didn’t want to keep in touch with him knowing that he belonged to another person, his future wife. But what I couldn’t understand was why he stopped contacting my parents. Why would he do that?
My dad told me that when he phoned Oliver’s house, an angry man, probably his father, told him Oliver didn’t live there anymore and then hung up.
The last few years had been acceptable. Almost nice we could say. I’ve had many flings, but nothing serious. I didn’t feel like having a serious relationship.
One afternoon, I was having coffee in the vila with my parents and was reading the newspaper. Then, my heart stopped beating. In the Internatinal Section, there was this headline: The acclaimed American writer Oliver Graham in a serious condition.
According to the news, a drunk driver had collided with his car and Oliver was currently in an induced coma in order to prevent possible brain damage.
I stood up, went to grab my keys and my wallet and left home, leaving my parents astonished.
I drove to the airport and booked a ticket for the first plane to New York. I was so afraid I’d never had the chance to see Oliver again.
Once I had everything ready, I phoned home, figuring my parents would be worried.
“Pronto?”
“Dad! I’m at the airport. Sorry I left home so hurriedly but…”
“We know, Elio. I read what the newspaper said. You’re going to New York?”
“Yeah. My plane takes off at 9”
“Okay. Be save, Elio, please. And pass our good vibes to Oliver. Phone us when you know something. We love you, Elly”
“I love you too. I’ll let you know how’s everything”
So there I was, on a plane to New York not knowing whether I would be able to see Oliver when I land.