THIRTY YEARS

Thirty years have passed since we met. It was on July 25, 1990, around 9 at night, outside the Auditorium of Architecture of the University of Guayaquil.

My friend "Chino" Galecio and I had finished an Acting class at the University in which we taught a Theater Course for students. I was preparing to go home when "Chino" told me that we better go to the end of the International Theater Festival that was taking place in Architecture in Tribute to the Guayaquil Foundation.

ME - No, Chino... I am very tired; I'm going home. See you tomorrow.
HE - Come on, don't be a nuisance. Today is the last day...
ME - But is too late, we are not going to see anything.
HE - Come on, in this way we meet actors from other countries and dialogue about their methods and experiences. Let's go.

I don't know what the hell this Galecio has that always ends up convincing you. So we went. The thing was as I imagined: packed, with people standing up outside the Auditorium. Impossible to enter.

In a few minutes, the applause was heard and the people started to come out. We stood on the esplanade in front of the Auditorium to look at those who came out and see acquaintances to at least greet and chat a bit.

In the midst of so many people, we could distinguish Rodrigo, one of the students of the Course, who was accompanied by two ladies. He also saw us and they approached. Regards, smiles, the silly looks of the case.

RODRIGO - Nilita, this is Ivan, my Theater Teacher; Ivan, this is Nilita, my aunt.
SHE - Nice to meet you.
ME - The pleasure is mine! So you are the aunt, the "ogre"?
SHE - (Opening her huge eyes) How?!
ME - (Stupid, trying to "screw up") he, he... it's a joke, just... ignore me. It is that as the skinny man has told me how hard you are with him...
SHE - Hard? It's not like that; I just don't allow disorders. I teach him to be responsible.

Rodrigo, "Chino" and the other lady smiled nervously, and I, like a perfect idiot, filling me with excuses and praise for the beautiful aunt. For my good luck, she began to understand my "little joke" and ended up smiling kindly and continuing the conversation with her friend (colleague) Teresa and the others present. The main theme was, of course, the Theater: what they saw at the Festival, how they liked this artistic activity, what we did, and of course, what they did. Her profession, Gynecology, long time colleagues, and close friends.

Fortunately, everything ended very well; a new friendship was born. Rodrigo and the two ladies left on their side, and "Chino" and I on ours, commenting on the incident, the reactions, the laughter, and the impact caused by Auntie.

ME - How pretty is Rodrigo's aunt, right?
HE - Yes, she is very pretty. And it is seen that a very strong character is handled.
ME - It is true. I was about to ruin everything with my habit of making jokes in front of people who don't know me.

And we followed the way, we said goodby, and each one to his house. I, of course, could not get rid of the image of that beautiful little woman, petit but well-tempered in her character and personality. I liked it... and I couldn't forget her huge eyes that fixed me in the middle of my forehead, in the middle of mine. I smiled and went home.

Thirty years already. Incredible but true. Today, July 25, Day in wich Spanish Foundation of Guayaquil is remembered, I met that beautiful woman who has been my support in good times and bad, my cause and effect, my ideal companion, the love of my life to forever.

New York, July 25, 2020

IVAN.